By WKNDER

Located on the northwest corner of 29th Street and Broadway, In the heart of Manhattan's vibrant NoMad district, the newly opened Virgin Hotels New York City has emerged as New York City's newest destination for affordable luxury. With its prime location, contemporary interiors, chic bars, decadent restaurants, and breathtaking views of the iconic Manhattan skyline, this hotel delivers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a taste of sophistication without breaking the bank.

In a city known for its opulence and extravagance, Virgin Hotels New York offers the perfect blend of modern luxury and extraordinary value. The hotel redefines the concept of upscale hospitality, making the perks of luxury travel accessible to all. “New York City is the perfect home for Virgin Hotels,” says James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels. “Our brand is bold, proud, and playful, and so are New Yorkers. As our first hotel in New York City, we wanted to create a concept that was unique yet thoughtful, fusing together the local landscape with the spirit of Virgin.' Whether visiting New York City for business or pleasure, guests can indulge in the finest amenities, impeccable service, and breathtaking views. At Virgin Hotels New York, sophistication meets affordability, creating a truly unforgettable experience for discerning travelers seeking the best of both worlds.

Situated amidst the bustling streets of NoMad (North of Madison Square Park), Virgin Hotels New York Hotel City offers unparalleled convenience for both leisure and business travelers. Just steps away from renowned landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and the Flatiron District, guests can easily immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and energy of New York City. Whether it's exploring chic boutiques, savoring gourmet cuisine, or catching a Broadway show, the hotel's central location provides the perfect starting point for city adventures. Virgin Hotels New York City’s well-appointed rooms offer guests a haven of tranquility and comfort high above the hustle and bustle of the city. As the sun sets over the city that never sleeps, guests are treated to a spectacle of lights and colors from the comfort of their own rooms. The panoramic views at Virgin Hotels New York City serve as a constant reminder of the magic and allure of New York City. From the iconic Empire State Building to the glittering waters of the Hudson River, floor to ceiling windows provide a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Big Apple. Designed with a modern aesthetic and thoughtful attention to detail, each room offers ample space to unwind and recharge after a day of exploration. From plush bedding and contemporary furnishings to state-of-the-art amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, every aspect of the room is tailored to ensure a restful stay. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Virgin Hotels New York City provides the ideal retreat for all types of travelers.

Indulgence knows no bounds at Virgin Hotels New York City, where a tantalizing array of culinary delights awaits guests at every turn. From casual dining to upscale gastronomy, the hotel's bars and restaurants cater to every palate. The heart of the hotel’s dining scene is Everdene, a sprawling 4,000 square foot dining and drinking venue, offering a spontaneous and playful scene with sweeping views of the Big Apple. Everdene is a lively eatery where guests and visitors can dine in style throughout the day. Starting with a sumptuous breakfast where freshly brewed coffee, artisanal pastries, and traditional breakfast options set the tone for a fully charged morning. For lunch and dinner, savor the flavors of global cuisine where Everdene’s expert chefs craft inventive dishes using locally sourced ingredients. After hours, unwind with handcrafted cocktails and panoramic views of the city skyline at The Pool Club where the rooftop bar comes to life against a backdrop of twinkling lights.

Indulgence knows no bounds at Virgin Hotels New York City, where a tantalizing array of culinary delights awaits guests at every turn. From casual dining to upscale gastronomy, the hotel's bars and restaurants cater to every palate. The heart of the hotel’s dining scene is Everdene, a sprawling 4,000 square foot dining and drinking venue, offering a spontaneous and playful scene with sweeping views of the Big Apple. Everyone is a lively eatery where guests and visitors can dine in style throughout the day. Starting with a sumptuous breakfast where freshly brewed coffee, artisanal pastries, and traditional breakfast options set the tone for a fully charged morning. For lunch and dinner, savor the flavors of global cuisine where Everdene’s expert chefs craft inventive dishes using locally sourced ingredients. After hours, unwind with handcrafted cocktails and panoramic views of the city skyline at The Pool Club where the rooftop bar comes to life against a backdrop of twinkling lights.

At Virgin Hotels New York City, luxury extends beyond the confines of the guest rooms and suites, with an array of amenities designed to elevate every aspect of the guest experience. Stay active and energized at the hotel's fully equipped fitness center, featuring state-of-the-art cardio, strength-training equipment, and energizing city views. Need to relax and rejuvenate? Pamper yourself with a soothing massage or spa treatment at Exhale, the onsite wellness center, where skilled therapists provide a sanctuary of serenity amidst the urban hustle and bustle. With attentive concierge services, valet parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, every need is seamlessly catered to, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable stay for all guests.

Virgin Hotel’s New York City offers a harmonious blend of luxury, convenience, and affordability, making it the ultimate destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable New York City experience. With its prime NoMad location, contemporary room design, enticing bars and restaurants, and scenic skyline views, this hotel sets a new standard for affordable luxury in the heart of Manhattan. Whether embarking on a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, Virgin Hotels New York City is the perfect choice for experiencing in the vibrant energy and timeless charm of the Big Apple.

For more reservations and additional information please visit virginhotels.com

This editorial was written and published in collaboration with JustLuxe magazine.

By WKNDER

2023 is here, and now is the time to recharge from the holiday season and turn our attention towards self-care. For anyone with wellness and wanderlust on their list of New Year’s resolutions, a chic beachfront jungle hideout might just be what the universe ordered.

Nestled in the heart of Tulum Beach, Sanarà is the type of quintessentially chic eco-resort that draws a discerning cross-section of luxury well-seekers from all over the world. From yoga enthusiasts, to health-conscious gourmands, jetsetters, and anyone seeking the kind of spiritual renewal that comes with a few gold star amenities. With airy, light-filled, minimalist interiors giving way to swaying palm trees, powder-soft white sands, and turquoise waters at your doorstep, Sanarà is the type of wellness haven that makes a lasting impression from the moment you arrive.

Wellness and relaxation go hand-in-hand at this jungle-chic beachfront eco-resort. Winding sand pathways, lush beds of coconut palms and tropical plants lead to a postcard perfect stretch of the Caribbean sea. It is here where guests will find a fully serviced beach with shaded beach bed and oversized bean bag chairs. The perfect place to shift into full relaxation mode while enjoying a hand-crafted margarita, refreshing coconut water, or a bowl of perfectly prepared guacamole.

While the margaritas and lounge areas are plentiful, Sanarà is a luxury wellness destination that offers more than holiday indulgence. The Sanarà experience seamlessly merges luxury and authenticity, delivering an experience that incorporates all facets of physical and spiritual well-being. More just than a spa, Sanarà Wellness Center is a mecca of healing. With a highly curated wellness program that includes both in-house and visiting specialists Sanarà is the perfect place to refine your wellness practices or try something new under the guidance and instruction of some of the world’s most renowned well-being specialists.

Deeply rooted in both Eastern and Mayan wellness rituals, the wellness program at Sanarà allows guests to experience restoration of mind, body and spirit in a number of ways, including the year-round Nourish & Heal experience. Sanarà’s immersive, intimate & guided journey to healing and vitality. Created by Sanarà & Real Coconut founder Daniella Hunter, Nourish & Heal is a holistic program that focuses on four key areas of healing & well-being that include nutrition, self care, movement & connection.

Nutrition - Experience the benefits of your meals and beverages at Sanarà’s Real Coconut Kitchen. Known for its plant-focused diet, all dishes are free of gluten, dairy, soy and refined sugar. Expect to find an assortment of menu items ranging from classic avocado toast, to organic, free-range omelets for breakfast and lunch/dinner staples like quesadillas made from plantain flour tortillas and coconut cheese, and vegan fish tacos. Guests wishing to engage in deeper cleanse can opt for the “Phyto Cleanse & Digestive Reset” plan.

Self-Care - Daily treatments in the Sanarà Wellness Center & Spa, the resort’s world-class Ayurvedic Inspired facility which is the heart and soul of the Sanarà experience. Treatments include Abhyanga massage which is one of the most widely used techniques in Ayurveda. Using a special blend of essential oils created according to your Dosha, Abhyanga massage combines a series of manual movements, rhythms and intensities in the body to mobilize and stimulate the elimination of toxins through biological systems.

Another option is Ayurvedic Reflexology. A manual therapy for the feet and legs, where pressure and kneading are applied at different reflex points, connecting with the systems and organs of the body. The treatment gently reduces stress, improves blood and lymphatic circulation, and naturally promotes the elimination of toxins. By stimulating reflex points in the feet and hands, the body can return to a more balanced state.

Movement - Daily meditation, unlimited yoga classes & curated workshops focused on food & nutrition are held in a spacious beachfront shala. Floor to ceiling windows overlook the waves of the Caribbean Sea, coconut palms and lush vegetation of the resort. It is in this location that guests can participate in a range of workshops and classes such as Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Flow, Samurai and Ninja meditation, and Krama flow - the fusion of the asana sequence and the breathing. Not to be missed is the Kundalini Activation Process which is a direct transmission of kundalini energy and the non-dual state of consciousness led weekly at Sanarà by Beatriz Jaraba. The sessions are designed to gently awaken the kundalini energy - also described as our ultimate life force, inner fire, and the source of creative power, spiritual gifts, and divine power.

Connection - Sanarà’s lush jungle environs and majestic ocean-front setting sets the stage for exploration within nature and the possibility of connection in a myriad of ways. This unique environment celebrates the natural world and the ocean and jungles as a source of life and transformation. Nature leads the personal healing journey with the readily available support of Sanara’s dedicated team.

With healing and spiritual restoration and the core of Sanarà’s wellness ethos, every aspect of the Sanarà experience is designed to leave you feeling much better when you check out than you did when you checked in. Not a bad way to welcome another trip around the sun.

For reservations and more information visit sanarahotels.com

By Q. Smith

In the heart of the sun-kissed paradise that is Los Cabos, the newly unveiled Nobu Los Cabos Residences reimagine the seaside destination for a new era of luxury travel. Directly adjacent to the renowned Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, the residences invite travelers into a serene sanctuary where curated zen meets the rugged beauty of Baja California’s coastal desert. A symphony of luxury amenities, breathtaking golf course views, and elevated interior design create the signature Nobu way of life, and perfect home away from home.

At Nobu Residences Los Cabos, every detail tells a story that reflects Mexico’s natural allure and the Nobu brand’s commitment sophisticated design meerged with the comforts of home. Emblematic architectural elements and themes throughout the interiors form unique spaces that are a visual journey into innovative concepts of luxury. The interior design of the residences mirror Nobu's signature ethos – a seamless juxtaposition of contemporary elegance and time-honored Japanese craftsmanship.

At Nobu Los Cabos Residences, luxury extends beyond aesthetics. The residences are not merely living spaces; they are experiences designed to evoke a feeling of zen that is integral to the Nobu lifestyle. Attentive service is the norm with exclusive amenities that will elevate your stay — including personal care products by cult-favorite skincare brand, Natura Bisse. The journey of rejuvenation includes self-care at Esencia Wellness, a self-care sanctuary designed to pamper your senses and restore balance to mind, body, and soul. Guests and residents can enjoy Nobu Hotel's signature spa experiences, including therapeutic body treatments, skin care services, and assorted wellness rituals. For those looking for something a bit more rigorous, next door to Esencia Wellness is an fully-appointed gym and a pair of outdoor pickleball courts, perfect for an afternoon group activity with family or friends.

At Nobu Los Cabos, dining is not just a activity but a way of life. Visitors and guests alike are welcomed into a world of culinary refinement, where exclusive gastronomic experiences beckon all who enter to indulge in the artistry of some of the world’s finest chefs. Muna, the resort's newest restaurant is perched on the rooftop of Nobu Los Cabos Residences, and is a jewel in the crown of Los Cabos’ culinary scene. The restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired menu is expertly curated to tantalize even the most discerning of palates. Chef Paolo della Corte captures the essence of the region, marrying local flavors and ingredients with Mediterranean flair and sophistication. Be sure to try the Mayan grilled octopus and glazed short rib, each paired with a unique Mexican wine from Muna’s impressive collection of regional vintages.

For those seeking the classic Nobu experience, the adjacent Nobu restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary journey that encompasses Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature fusion of traditional Japanese and Peruvian flavors. The resort’s namesake seaside hotspot is where the signature Nobu lifestyle comes to life. The setting is nothing short of extraordinary, with the sun dramatically setting over the Pacific, casting hues of orange and pink across the azure sky. It is an unforgettable scene that foreshadows the uniquely immersive sensory and culinary experience that lies ahead. Signature dishes such the wildly popular Nobu miso black cod, and yellowtail sashimi with thinly sliced jalapeños are complimented by a fine selection of sakes, wines and signature cocktails. As a favorite of both guests and local foodies, Nobu restaurant is an iconic presence in Los Cabos that continues to set the standard for culinary innovation worldwide.

Life at Nobu Los Cabos transcends traditional hospitality, encapsulating a lifestyle that embodies the Nobu ethos of balanced luxury. As the warmth of the Baja California desert greets the soothing breeze of the Pacific Ocean, all who enter this exclusive enclave are reminded that they are not just living; they are thriving in a zen-inspired masterpiece, crafted in signature Nobu style. Welcome to a world where every moment is an invitation to savor the best that life has to offer, each and everyday.

For reservations and more information vist loscabos.nobuhotels

This editorial was written and published in collaboration with JustLuxe magazine.

By WKNDER

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where snow-covered slopes stand as sentinels to a winter wonderland, Aspen unveils an annual event that transforms the icy landscape into a playground for ponies and polo enthusiasts alike. Welcome to the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship in Aspen, Colorado, where adrenaline and elegance come together to create an unforgettable equestrian experience.

Held in December at the start of Aspen’s winter season, the annual St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship takes center stage against a backdrop of snow-draped pines and panoramic mountain vistas. Forget what you know about traditional polo on grass fields – Snow Polo turns up the cool factor by introducing the world to the thrill of hoofbeats on a snow-covered field.

The event is as glamorous as one might expect, with attendees donning chic winter gear —from fur-lined boots, plush parkas, locally crafted Kemo Sabe hats, and all sorts of cozy cashmere knits. In a field of pristine snow, immaculately groomed polo ponies and riders clad in tailored uniforms shine brightly against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. It's polo, Aspen style, where the horses have a natural affinity for the snow, and the players navigate the field with the athleticism and finesse of winter sports royalty.

The match itself is just as spectacular. Intricately carved out of the snow-covered landscape, the snow polo field becomes a canvas for athletic prowess and sportsmanship. As the mallets strike the ball with a satisfying thud, sprays of snow are sent into the air as the ponies charge forward with a majestic power that only adds to the spectacle. It's a symphony of speed, skill, and snow, with everyone in attendance as part of the show.

Aspen Snow Polo is more than just a sporting event; it's a social gathering that epitomizes the town's unique blend of luxury and laid-back charm. Spectators huddle in cozy VIP tents, sipping on warm libations like hot toddies and mulled wine, all while soaking in the glinting sunlight reflecting off the snow-covered polo field. It's a party in the snow, where the atmosphere is as friendly as the competition is fierce.

Beyond the polo field, Aspen offers a myriad of activities to complement the winter polo extravaganza. The town's charming streets, adorned with twinkling lights, invite you to meander and discover the unique shops, designer boutiques, and fine art galleries that make Aspen a haven for style, culture and creativity. During the day adventure seekers can explore the world-class ski slopes, while self-care enthusiasts can unwind with a luxurious spa treatment at the St. Regis Spa. In the evening, indulge in gourmet dining at one of Aspen's renowned restaurants or buzzing night spots like Snow Lodge at the St. Regis, where the Aspen social set converges for a food, cocktails, DJ sessions, and live music from an international roster of world-class musicians.

For those who appreciate a winter spectacle with a dash of adventure and a pinch of posh, Aspen Snow Polo is the ultimate escape. It's a celebration of sport, style, and snow – a perfect fusion that encapsulates the spirit of Aspen, where the mountains are not just a backdrop but an integral part of the Aspen lifestyle.

By WKNDER

Prominently overlooking the storied slopes of the Swiss Alps, The Alpina Gstaad is an exciting addition to the jet set mountain resort of Gstaad, Switzerland. Despite being the new kid on the block, the hotel has already achieved iconic status as one of the region’s most elegant and progressive destinations. Putting a contemporary spin on the Swiss mountain retreat, The Alpina Gstaad seamlessly juxtaposes tradition with modernity. This is reflected not only in the originative architecture and world-class amenities, but through an overall brand ethos that redefines luxury as a portal to stimulating artistry, individualized wellness, and refined pursuits of leisure.

The Alpina Gstaad is the youthful and energetic heart of Gstaad, a picturesque and historic mountain town that is steeped in both glamorous lore and long-standing traditions. A combination of bold architecture and elegant interiors, the hotel draws inspiration from both the classic Swiss chalet styles of the region and stylistic elements from various parts of Asia. The result is a blend of cosy Alpine chic and Eastern zen which come together to create a habitat perfectly suited for holistic and restorative well-being. Designed by Jaggi, a local architectural firm, the traditional exterior gives way to an ultra-contemporary interior upon arrival. A limestone subterranean porte cochere opens up to a gleaming lobby that also serves as the social hub of the resort and home to the lively Alpina Lounge, a mountain chic salon complete with a roaring fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and postcard views of the surrounding Bernese Mountains. Whimsical antiquities and contemporary art by some of the world’s most renowned talents co-exist with provocative works by established and burgeoning artists from under-represented countries around the world. These types of unexpected juxtapositions are displayed throughout the space, the most prominent of which is the lobby ceiling, an expansive 350-year-old painting salvaged from a chapel in Italy. The aesthetic delights don’t stop there. Design aficionados will appreciate walls decorated with antique wood reclaimed from Swiss farmhouses and soaring columns wrapped in Moore & Giles leather, embossed with marquetry-style patterns. Designed by London-based Hirsch Bedner Associates, The Alpina Gstaad’s 56 rooms and suites pay homage to local heritage through many subtle and charming design details. Local hand-carved stone, live-edge hardwoods, and other natural materials such as leather, linen and cashmere soften the precise lines, while hand-painted antique armoires ground the lofty suites. Lending a sense of balance, and the feel of a home away from home.

An ideal destination for luxury wellness travel, The Alpina Gstaad offers a range of specialized amenities. Many of which can be found at the resort’s uber-chic in-house spa, Six Senses Gstaad, which offers some of the world’s finest wellness treatments and restorative therapies. Inspired by both Asian holistic health traditions and Swiss inspired therapies, spa programs begin with Six Senses’ Integrated Wellness Screening. The evaluation, which includes a visual assessment and pulse reading by one of the spa’s expert naturopaths, takes a unique and personal approach for each guest. This level of individuated focus ensures that each guest receives an appropriate treatment program for their specific needs. In addition to traditional massage and beauty treatments, Six Senses Gstaad offers time-honored Asian wellness and healing therapies such as reiki, chakra balancing, energy healing and the signature Tibetan Healing program which include varying combinations of massage, Tibetan singing bowls, moxibustion, cupping, Ku-Nye massage and Hor-Me therapy. The holistic approach to wellness at The Alpina Gstaad extends beyond the realm of the spa and into numerous options geared towards active lifestyles. Surrounded by some of the world’s finest ski slopes and hiking trails, The Alpina Gstaad is a perfect base for an active and restorative mountain holiday throughout the year. During the winter season, guests can wile away the days schussing down some of the region's 150 miles of pistes. In the summer months, the hotel’s 82-ft outdoor pool is the perfect place to restore the body and clear the mind with crystal clear air and breathtaking views of the Bernese mountain peaks and pastures. Guests seeking more active options for fitness can choose from a range of classes, including tai chi, Pilates, HIIT cardio, barre and a range of yoga sessions including Tibetan, vinyasa and hatha.

Whether participating in The Alpina Gstaad’s 5-day Mountain Detox retreat, finishing an afternoon of skiing or hiking, or just simply enjoying the ambiance of the Alps, one is bound to work up an appetite. Fortunately, the hotel’s three stellar restaurants offer a range of options for nutritional therapy diets and more indulgent culinary cravings. Celebrated chef, Martin Göschel is the creative force behind The Alpina’s award-winning restaurants, Megu, Sommet, and the Swiss Stübli. Göschel and his team have developed a number of innovative takes on wellness-focused cuisine, including The Alpina Gstaad’s ‘Six Senses Life Cuisine’ menu. A curated selection of health-centric dishes that are available alongside the main menus of the hotel’s restaurants. For those looking to savor something a bit more decadent, world-class dining options abound, starting with the one Michelin-starred, Megu. Head Chef Tetsujiro Ogata and Sushi Chef Tsutomu Kugota bring true authenticity to an exciting menu comprised of dishes that boast some of Japan’s most prized and rare ingredients. The restaurant’s interior, designed by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, provides a perfect setting for enjoying the best of Japanese traditional and fusion cooking — not the mention Switzerland’s largest sake collection. Incorporating antique kimonos, slatted partitions hewn from local reclaimed wood, hues of cherry blossom and gold, the space is equally inspired by both Kyoto’s regal temples and traditional Japanese domiciles. In a delightful contrast to Megu’s elegant minimalism, The Alpina’s Swiss Stübli restaurant is traditional alpine chic at it’s most exuberant. A warm and welcoming atmosphere complete with crisp white tablecloths, rustic wall-to-wall carved wood paneling and vintage ski posters creates the perfect backdrop for the Swiss Stübli’s modern reinterpretations of Swiss classics, such as fondue or the Swiss Stübli’s signature raclette. Rounding out the triad is Sommet, The Alpina Gstaad’s one Michelin-starred restaurant and arguably the jewel in its culinary crown. Offering a range of international concepts with a subtle nod to traditional Swiss cuisine, Sommet aims to impress on the highest level with exceptional tasting menus and an extensive selection of wines — including a sommelier curated collection of over 400 rare and vintage bottles from across the world.

Inspired by the energy of its natural environs, Gstaad’s timeless allure, and the robust lifestyle of the Swiss Alps, The Alpina Gstaad combines Swiss refinement, conscious design, and well-chosen amenities to create an Alpine holiday experience that represents the best of tradition and modernity. By redefining artistry, wellness, and active leisure, The Alpina Gstaad has created a brand of contemporary luxury that is truly one of a kind.

DETAILS & PLANNING

The Alpina Gstaad is located in the village of Gstaad in southwest Switzerland in the German-speaking canton of Bern, easily accessible by rail or car from Bern, Zürich and Geneva. International airports serve all three cities.

Private jets and helicopters may access the small airport in nearby Saanen, 6.5 km from The Alpina Gstaad. Transfers by helicopter or limousine are available on request.

For more information about The Alpina Gstaad and Six Senses Gstaad please visit thealpinagstaad.ch

This article was written and published in collaboration with JustLuxe magazine

By Q. Smith

A day on the slopes isn’t complete unless it ends with a few drinks, delicious food, and a great time with good friends. This occasion, otherwise known as après-ski, is a European-born concept that has taken on its own unique identity in posh American ski enclaves where winter sports and partying go hand-in-hand. This season Aspen, Colorado leads the pack with a range of après-ski options designed to cater to every desire. Whether it’s a mountainside pop-up party, a laidback hangout in the heart of town, or an elegant dinner at a 5-star mountain lodge, Aspen offers après-ski vibes for all tastes. Here’s a guide to three of Aspen’s best après-ski experiences.

ASPEN X BEACH CLUB WITH GRAY MALIN

Situated at the peak of Aspen Mountain, AspenX Beach Club is a chic winter experience that invites both avid skiers and non-skiing party goers to enjoy après-ski festivities on Aspen’s postcard perfect slopes. With striped cabanas, lounge chairs, and panoramic views, the AspenX Beach Club is the perfect place to enjoy Aspen’s picturesque mountainscape and glamorous social scene. Curated by renowned lifestyle photographer Gray Malin, AspenX Beach Club merges the ski-chic style of the AspenX brand, with dedicated service, and Malin’s signature vibrant aesthetic. The venue is a Gray Malin photograph come to life, complete with 360-degree views of the surrounding slopes and peaks, red and white striped cabanas, and the Instagram-worthy red lifeguard tower with its matching custom longboard. The seasonal pop-up party is exclusive and limited to 100-guests per day. Live DJ sets, special events, and gourmet dining bring the party to life and create the energy of a beach party; where guests can mingle under sunny skies, lounge on striped chaise chairs, and order signature spritzes, bottles of rosé, or even a three-course meal with unlimited Dom Pérignon.

AspenX Beach Club is open until April 16 (Fridays through Sundays) from noon to 3 p.m. with a limited availability of up to 100 people per day. Guests must be 21+ to enter and a lift ticket is required to access the Beach Club via the Silver Queen Gondola. tickets go fast, so try to make your reservation far in advance.

AJAX TAVERN

Located at the base of Aspen Mountain and next to the Silver Queen Gondola, Ajax Tavern is an Aspen classic. Known for its easy yet elevated atmosphere, Ajax Tavern is where everyone in town gathers for good vibes and equally impressive après-ski favorites. The sun-drenched, mountainside patio is the place to be for lunch, cocktails, and some of the most epic people watching in Aspen. That being said, don’t let the social scene distract you from Ajax’s main attraction, the food. Inspired by Colorado's sustainably raised meats and seasonal produce, the menu at Ajax Tavern is an innovative take on traditional tavern fare. Signature menu items include a Colorado lamb bolognese and of course, the iconic Ajax Wagyu double cheeseburger with truffle fries. For diners looking for lighter fare, the après-ski menu features fresh raw bar selections, including oysters, shrimp and crab, as well as an abundance of fine wines, regional microbrews, and signature cocktails such as such as the Hot Apple Pie with Van Gogh Salted Caramel, Cider, Caramel, the Chocolate Caliente with The Nell’s Dobel Barel, or the Bad Santa made with Amaretto Cookie Liquor, Hot Chocolate, Crushed Peppermint Rim. For guests wanting something extra special Ajax Tavern’s has unveiled its Boozy Builds concept, which allows guests to show off their creativity by choosing a liquor, a base and a topping to make a custom libation.

Ajax Tavern is open daily from 11:30 am - 10 pm

ELEMENT 47

Widely regarded as Aspen’s “finest spot to wine, dine and unwind.” Element 47 at The Little Nell takes après-ski to another level. Led by a carefully vetted team of culinary and wine professionals, Element 47 is an experience to remember with the type of ambiance that sets the stage for a casual yet elegant evening — picture candle-lit tables, ceiling-height glass cases with some of the world’s rarest wines, original works of art by Michelle Grabner, Scott Reeder, Philip Vanderhyden and José Lerma. Whether you ski-in for après cocktails in the Living Room, settle in at the bar for a casual meet-up, or reserve a table for one of Aspen’s most elegant dining experiences, Element 47 at The Little Nell hotel has an après-ski vibe for everyone.

Discerning foodies and jazz aficionados looking to take their après-ski experience to the next level can reserve a table at Element 47, where The Little Nell and Jazz Aspen Snowmass have partnered to create Jazz Nights at Element 47. On Thursday and Sunday nights from 6-9 p.m. guests can choose from a list of innovative cocktails and award-winning wine program paired with seasonally-inspired dishes from Culinary Director Matt Zubrod and Executive Chef Oscar Carrasco.

Those lucky enough to be in Aspen on March 9th can attend the Frasca Pop-Up with Bobby Stuckey. The James Beard award-winning restaurant, Frasca Food & Wine from Boulder, will take over Element 47 for an evening with Master Sommelier and Co-Owner Bobby Stuckey, formerly the Wine Director at The Little Nell. Offering refined Northern Italian plates based on locally sourced ingredients paired with top-shelf wines. Pairings include dishes such as Frico gambero croccante paired with Ronco Del Gnemiz Friulano San Zuan 2020, seppia and black truffle ink with salumi crumble paired with Vodopivic Vitovska Origine 2018 and black cherry panna cotta with mascarpone bavarois, almond fuiellitine crisp, and orange curd paired with Marco Sara Verduzzo Friulano Passito 2021. Reservations are available from 6 – 9:30 p.m. $300 per person.

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This article originally published in JustLuxe magazine on March 2nd, 2023

By WKNDER

Who can resist the thrill of London’s during the holidays? With its festive season in full swing, the capital city has transformed into a winter wonderland — cloaked in dazzling lights and warmed by a uniquely British Christmas cheer. However you prefer to celebrate the holiday season, you can experience the enchantment of London’s festive season by immersing yourself in the holiday opulence of its iconic landmark hotels. Whether you're seeking a traditional Christmas experience, a touch of holiday glamour, or a tranquil escape from the excitement, we’ve selected three London hotels that will make your holiday wish come true.

Brown's Hotel: A Traditional Christmas Haven

Located in the perennially chic district of Mayfair, Brown’s Hotel, A Rocco Forte Hotel, is one of the most iconic hotels in London (and arguably the world). The retreat of choice for royalty, presidents, prominent literary figures and society luminaries over the centuries, Brown’s is one of the most distinguished historic landmarks in London. Having played host to holiday festivities since 1837, Brown’s Hotel is a beloved winter destination for both Londoners and guests alike, offering an authentic and truly memorable yuletide experience. During the holiday season tradition and modernity come together to create an uniquely sophisticated British charm that epitomizes the Brown’s enduring appeal. For those yearning for a quintessentially London Christmas, Brown's Hotel is a perfect choice.

Elegance and comfort define the rooms and suites at Brown's. Adorned with classic British decor, each space offers a cozy retreat in the heart of the city. Designed by hospitality interiors expert, Olga Polizzi, Brown’s rooms and suites make the most of period features such as fireplaces, plush fabrics, and intricate cornicing. Clean lines and neutral palettes add a touch of the contemporary, while details like fresh flowers and soft throws create a sense of familiarity and home. Guests may opt for a room with a courtyard-view or overlooking the beautifully decorated and bustling streets of artsy Mayfair — with its galleries, townhouse fashion boutiques and high-end eateries.

Brown's is one of London’s most exciting culinary destinations. The hotel’s cocktail lounge and restaurants offer a uniquely British experience for all tastes. Famously a favorite destination of Queen Victoria, The Drawing Room at Brown’s now attracts in-the-know Londoners and well-heeled travelers alike, offering a traditional afternoon tea that comes alive during the festive season. Guests can draw up an armchair by the fire and enjoy the holiday-themed stylings of the resident pianist. The experience sets the stage for indulgence, with specialty pastries, scones, cakes, and delicate finger sandwiches paired with tea, hot chocolate, or champagne. The joy of Christmas Day continues with a festive set lunch or dinner at Charlie’s - Brown’s newest culinary gem. Directed by Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt and helmed by head chef Matt Starling, the wonderfully elegant eatery features seasonal British cuisine served with theatrical flair.  The holiday season menu offers a selection of traditional British dishes including Moxon’s smoked salmon, Blackwells Farm turkey with all the trimmings, and of course Charlie’s signature Christmas pudding. For those who enjoy a masterful cocktail, The Donovan Bar is just across the hall, and is one of Mayfair’s chicest spots to gather with friends. Named after the iconic 1960's photographer Sir Terence Donovan, the bespoke cocktail menu is inspired by his glamorous life and legacy. Not to be missed is the aptly named Donovan Martini, a twist on a gin and tonic made with Tanqueray N10 Gin, Kummel bitters, fresh pineapple, nettle cordial, lemon juice and tonic water.

With chic, modern, and artistic Mayfair at its doorstep, Brown's prime location makes it the ideal base for luxury travelers. Offering convenient access to the art galleries of Cork Street, the theaters of Shaftesbury Avenue, and the fashion boutiques of Bond Street, Brown’s is at the center of London’s finest experiences. Families looking to maximize their holiday experience will appreciate the close proximity to five of London’s royal parks, including the perennially beautiful Hyde Park and it’s wildly popular Winter Wonderland which is held seasonally.

Hotel Cafe Royal: A Glamorous Holiday Destination

Prominently perched in the bustling heart of Piccadilly Circus, Hotel Café Royal has long been a go-to for the global jet set. A vibrant destination in the heart of the London, Hotel Café Royal has a rich and glamorous history, making it an enduringly chic beacon of the holiday season. By effortlessly blending timeless elegance with contemporary luxury, Hotel Café Royal offers holiday travelers best of both worlds, making it the perfect haven for those seeking a stylish holiday celebration.

Beyond Hotel Café Royal’s lavishly decorated historic façade you will find all the trappings of contemporary luxury. While the historic and grand public rooms of the 1860s and 1920s have been painstakingly restored with great attention to heritage, the rooms and suites are curated in a modern, sophisticated manner, characterized by refined simplicity and state-of-the-art details, technological and otherwise. Effortlessly combining modern design with classic comforts, spaces are adorned with exquisite furnishings and exquisite amenities. Architectural and aesthetic details such as soaring ceilings, natural light and palatial Carrara marble bathrooms exude a warm ambiance. Each room and suite is calm and distinctive, allowing guests to luxuriate in its creature comforts while escaping the holiday hustle and bustle.

Foodies will rejoice in the plethora of culinary delights at Hotel Café Royal. The opulent ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ at Café Royal is an experience that is as decadent as its gilded setting (the golden salon that was once Oscar Wilde’s favored retreat). Guests are immersed in a festive fantasy, complete with gold leaf details, painted ceilings, and delectable sweets. Champagne and tea is served to the melodic sounds of a live pianist bringing the holiday season to life. Another extraordinary culinary experience is the two Michelin-starred Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal. An extraordinary eatery which flips the switch on gastronomy with an exclusively intimate dining experience, offering a modern take on traditional French cuisine. Overlooking the glittering lights and graceful curvature of London’s famed Regent Street, Alex Dilling is the perfect setting for a picture perfect holiday fête. For those spending Christmas Day in the city, Alex Dilling’s special Christmas Day Menu is not to be missed. The inventive yet traditional menu features delicacies such as Fine de Claire oysters, tortellini with white Alba truffle and roasted duck from Maison Burgaud. If a nightcap is in order, The Green Bar, known for its mixology mastery, offers signature cocktails in a lively setting. This vibrant haven is known for its absinthe based cocktails and enchanting elixirs tailored to complement the spirit of the season.

A destination in and of itself, Hotel Café Royal is ideally located at the crossroads of London’s most famous landmarks and holiday season attractions. Ideally situated at the intersection of Mayfair and Soho, Hotel Café Royal provides easy access to London's iconic landmarks and high-end shopping districts ensuring a glamorous (and convenient) winter stay. With so many London attractions at its doorstep, Hotel Café Royal is a perfect home away from home for the luxury traveler who wants to experience as much of the city as possible.

Sofitel London St. James: A Tranquil Holiday Retreat

Travelers looking for an from the holiday hustle and bustle will find a serene retreat at Sofitel London St. James — an oasis of tranquility nestled in St. James's Square. With its notable architectural pedigree and prestigious central London location, this unmistakably French-inspired luxury hotel succeeds at evoking a quintessentially British charm, making it the perfect home away from home during holiday season. Originally built as a bank in the 1920s, Sofitel London St. James is one of London’s most stately addresses. Beyond the hotel’s grand neoclassical façade is playful and relaxed interpretation of Sofitel’s distinct brand of French luxury.

The rooms and suites at Sofitel London St. James are chic, contemporary and designed with intention, seamlessly blending French elegance with modern comfort as recently re-envisioned by renowned designer Pierre Yves-Rochon. The colorful spaces eschew traditional chintz and print, for monochrome color schemes accented by dark lacquered furniture set against muted backgrounds and black-and-white photography, lending a relaxed intimacy to the Neoclassical architecture of the property. One of London’s larger luxury hotels, the 183 rooms are well-appointed and stylish, with Smeg kettles, Nespresso machines and docking stations for your holiday playlists. The spacious black and white marble bathrooms feature Diptyque products creating a luxe spa-like experience right at your fingertips.

Tucked away in the heart of Sofitel London St. James. is the eponymously named St. James Bar. An intimate and inviting cocktail destination inspired by Coco Chanel’s 1920s Paris apartment where the mood is set with warm light, marble surfaces, antique mirrors, and rich velvet banquettes, providing the perfect setting for a holiday libation. Epicurious foodies will delight in the newly launched cocktail menu, ‘A Taste of the World.’ An innovative cocktail concept inspired by traditional foods, flavors, and ingredients from around the world. In keeping with the theme, each one of the menu’s 18 cocktails represents a journey to a different part of the globe. Missing home? An Old Fashioned inspired by American BBQ might do the trick. Feeling nostalgic for last summer’s holiday in Greece? How about a Gin Sour influenced by Greek Tzatziki. Foodies needn’t stop there. Next door is the hotel’s brasserie, Michelin-starred restaurant, Wild Honey St. James. The much buzzed about fine dining destination led by head chef Anthony Demetre, uses French culinary techniques to create unique British inspired dishes that taste as good as they look — guests celebrating Boxing Day on December 26th can look forward Wild Honey’s festive buffet of traditional dishes and champagne. What’s an afternoon in London without a spot of tea? The Rose Lounge is Sofitel London St. James’ exceedingly plush rose-filled space and the setting for an afternoon tea service that could convincingly pass for Wes Anderson film scene. The menu is especially tempting with its uniquely curated selection of sweets, some of which include panettone with spiced butter, raspberry and pistachio choux, and black forest bauble Mont Blanc, all paired with the lounge’s Rose Lounge Signature Blend Camellia tea. Tea time at The Rose Lounge is also family friendly with a fun children’s menu complete with treats such as caramel popcorn, chocolate delice, and biscuits that can be decorated with edible paint.

Perched prominently on the corner of Waterloo Place and Pall Mall, just around the corner from the Piccadilly Circus tube station, Sofitel London St. James is conveniently located near Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Buckingham Palace and the lovely St. James Park. Its strategic location provides a serene escape, while keeping the city's cultural and historical treasures within easy reach.

In the rich tapestry of London's luxury accommodations, these three hotels stand out as beacons of holiday season indulgence, each offering a distinct experience tailored to the desires of the discerning traveler. Whether you seek a traditional yuletide, winter glamour, or a very merry escape, London invites you to immerse yourself in a festive season unlike any other.

By Quentin Smith

Amidst the bustling streets of Tribeca in Lower Manhattan, the elegance of Belle Époque meets New York City modernity in a refreshing new way. Welcome to Hotel Barrière’s Fouquet’s New York, a home away from home for the luxury traveler seeking Parisian charm in the Big Apple. With its plush accommodations, exquisite amenities, and touch of French flair, Fouquet’s New York embodies the same cool factor and charm as the original Fouquet’s on the Champs-Élysées — which opened in 1899 and remains a favorite of the global jet set.

Designed by powerhouse hospitality interior designer, Martin Brudnizki, Fouquet's New York, immediately immerses all who enter into an atmosphere of refined luxury anchored by the hotel’s kaleidoscopic lobby. Brudnizki describes the space as “a marriage of Parisian opulence and Tribeca panache.” With abstract diptychs by artist Nir Hod, Art Deco–style chandeliers, plush mohair fabrics, rare antiquities, contemporary decorative arts and sumptuous finishes, every corner is a feast for the senses. The hotel's ninety seven rooms and suites (including six with terraces and one two-story suite) are adorned with lavish Art Deco-inspired furnishings and rich fabrics, offering a remarkably stylish and comfortable retreat. The distinctive rooms feature a rich lavender palette, with notes of cream, black, gold, and rich oak hardwood. Soaring quilted headboards and four-figure marble bathrooms underscore the luxury factor, while bespoke toile de Jouy wallpaper adds an element of whimsy that somehow establishes the tone for the entire Fouquet’s New York experience. “It sets the scene as soon as you enter the room,” Brudnizki says of his version, which depicts recognizable New York and Paris scenes; including the Statue of Liberty and New York City’s infamous pigeons carrying Paris’ equally iconic croissants. “You immediately think, oh that’s playful! That’s fun!” Brudnizki notes. This is just one of the many ways that each space is intricately curated to evoke the contemporary charm of New York City, with elements of classic French interior design seamlessly woven into every detail.

In the heart of the bustling metropolis that is New York City, Spa Diane Barrière at Fouquet's New York is a welcome haven of relaxation. Located beneath the hotel’s meeting and event spaces, the spa is named for Diane Barrière-Desseigne, president of Groupe Barrière until her passing in 2001. It, too, was designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and reflects the designer’s penchant for Parisian style. Dedicated to beauty, tranquility, and overall well-being, this spa is a sanctuary that promises to transport guests to a realm of rejuvenation, far removed from the city's relentless pulse. What sets Spa Diane Barrière apart is its commitment to excellence and authentic connection to Paris, the undisputed beauty capital of the world. This is evidenced by its exclusive partnership with Biologique Recherche, the cult skincare brand hailing from the streets of Paris. The collaboration ensures that guests are treated to a skincare experience steeped in French expertise, delivering results that leave skin nourished, radiant and revitalized. The spa's commitment to personalized well-being is a cornerstone of its philosophy. Tailoring each treatment to the specific objectives and needs of individual guests, Spa Diane Barrière creates bespoke experiences that goes beyond mere pampering. It's a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of beauty and well-being — ensuring that every visit part of a journey towards rejuvenation. Spa Diane Barrière includes five treatment rooms — one specifically designed for couples, a sauna and steam room, and the main attraction, its beautiful indoor pool which provides a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. For those seeking to marry wellness with fitness, the spa offers a cutting-edge gym. Here, the city's top personal trainers stand ready to create bespoke workouts tailored to individual needs. It's an opportunity for guests to maintain their fitness regimen or embark upon a fitness journey guided by experts, ensuring that their wellness goals are not only met but exceeded. At Spa Diane Barrière, every element is carefully curated to create an experience that transcends the ordinary — where beauty, tranquility, and well-being converge.

While the hotel’s luxurious rooms and spa certainly make their finest impressions, the star of the show might the eponymously named Fouquet’s Brasserie. The restaurant — which has multiple locations internationally — recently made its stateside debut at Fouquet’s New York, and has already been met with enthusiasm within the New York culinary world. The jewel box of a restaurant is located on the ground floor of hotel, and marks the 11th Fouquet’s location globally — the hotel is also home to the fashionable speakeasy-inspired Bar Titsou and casual dining space, Par Ici Café. The menu at Fouquet’s Brasserie features classic dishes like Fouquet’s onion soup, which appear alongside new offerings geared towards a New York audience. One such dish is the generously portioned one-and-a-half pound lobster fricassée. This decidedly decadent version comes with sautéed spinach, thinly sliced roasted carrots, a Cognac-infused bisque, and a white rice pilaf — the kind of dish that is decidedly French, yet perfect for a sophisticated American palate. “I’ve interpreted the French menu in terms of verbiage in my own way and put my own twist on it” says Chef Bradley Stellings, who was previously the culinary director for RH at Restoration Hardware and prior to that helmed the kitchen at Brasserie on Park Avenue. “So not running away with the menu; it still reads very true to Fouquet’s traditionally, but a New Yorker’s going to understand it a lot more, and it’ll have a little bit more relevance down in Tribeca.” Stellings describes the restaurant’s approach to traditional escargots as an example of this signature approach. While typically served in butter, Fouquet’s Brasserie has reimagined the dish to be accompanied by a savory green velouté sauce, “a nice little twist on the classic dish, but you’re still getting the flavor profile that everybody knows,” Stellings notes. Another example of this is one of the menu’s most popular items, the Fouquet’s Cheeseburger. A gourmet take on the classic American menu staple that the French seem to have fully embraced — and in this case, perfected. 

For diners looking to tantalize their taste buds with something unexpected, the fluke carpaccio citrus salad is an excellent choice. Drizzled with extra virgin olive and laced with grapefruit, orange, chive, fleur de sel, potato and seaweed emulsion this dish is a standout and represents the more adventurous side of the menu. The culinary adventure continues with the Brasserie’s inventive take on the classic endive salad. This one is a meal unto itself, and comes with Mortadella ham, radicchio, preserved lemon, mustard ice cream, and a riesling vinaigrette. For desert, the chocolate mille-feuille is a full-on experience and perfect way to round out the meal. “We’ve been really working on the flavor, and trying to find the transition between French fine dining classic cuisine and the New York experience,” says food and beverage director Clément Jafet, who worked as a server at Fouquet’s in Paris before relocating to New York more than 15 years ago. The wine list, as you might expect, is impressive, and comes with price tags to match — bottles start at over $200 — but don’t let that stop you from splurging. According to one New York City wine professional and frequent Fouquet’s Brasserie patron, the selection at Fouquet’s Brasserie is one of the finest in town and a wonderful way to enhance the tasting experience of the delightfully eclectic menu. While the cuisine is certainly the main draw, design takes center stage at Fouquet’s Brasserie. In Paris, the Fouquet’s name is synonymous with its brasserie, this tradition was certainly top of mind during the design process. Hotel interior designer, Martin Brudnizki was inspired by the French Art Deco movement and Fouquet’s iconic cranberry shade of red. Oak parquet floors, glass chandeliers, plush leather booths, white table cloths, gleaming table lamps, impressively thin wineglasses, and broad strokes of Fouquet’s signature red, come together to create a playful, yet elegant atmosphere that sets the tone for the dining experience. Helmed by renowned chefs and offering a menu inspired by the rich culinary traditions of France, Fouquet’s Brasserie promises an unforgettable gastronomic and aesthetic experience.

In a city known for its endless array of luxury accommodations, what truly sets Fouquet's New York apart is its ability to combine top-tier sophistication with a relaxed and playful spirit. From the colorful and carefully studied decor, to the warm and welcoming staff, there's a palpable sense of joie de vivre that shows up in every aspect of the Fouquet’s experience. An experience that leaves guests feeling rejuvenated, luxuriated, satiated, and looking forward to returning time and time again. This spirit is part of the Fouquet’s DNA. Since 1899, the Fouquet’s brand has embodied French romanticism in Paris and shared it with the world. As the first US property of the beloved French hospitality group, Fouquet’s New York exudes the same spirit and sophistication as the Champs-Élysées original. As a luxury lifestyle hotel, Fouquet's New York stands out as a rare gem. With its luxurious rooms and suites, Parisian interior design, unique guest amenities, exquisite dining options, and prime Tribeca location, it offers a retreat unlike any other — a perfect blend of French elegance and New York City glamour.

For more information visit  Hotel Barrière’s Fouquet’s New York

This editorial was written and published in collaboration with JustLuxe magazine.

By Sophie Grove

Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ojai Valley in Southern California, Ojai Valley Inn has long been a mecca for discerning travelers seeking a luxurious and restorative retreat. Renowned for its world-class amenities, impeccable service, and scenic landscapes, this idyllic resort offers an unrivaled experience for those in search of relaxation, rejuvenation, and indulgence.

Stepping into Ojai Valley Inn is akin to entering a tranquil oasis, where time slows down and stresses melt away. The resort's architecture seamlessly blends Mediterranean-inspired elegance with the natural beauty of its California environs. Dotted with majestic and ancient oak trees, fragrant citrus groves, and panoramic mountain views, guests can't help but feel embraced by Mother Nature and the easy tranquility of the resort’s setting.

Ojai Valley Inn offers a variety of luxurious accommodations to suit every preference. From elegant guest rooms to expansive suites, every interior is thoughtfully designed with comfort and aesthetics in mind. Unwind in spacious living areas, and savor the breathtaking views from private balconies or patios, and immerse yourself in plush bedding at the end of the day. State-of-the-art amenities, including flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and indulgent bath products, ensure a stay that exceeds expectations of luxury and leisure.

At Ojai Valley Inn, the possibilities for relaxation and recreation are endless. The resort's championship 18-hole golf course, designed by renowned architect Jay Morrish, beckons golf enthusiasts with its sweeping fairways and stunning vistas. Alternatively, wellness enthusiasts can indulge in a blissful spa experience at the award-winning Spa Ojai, where skilled therapists offer a range of rejuvenating treatments inspired by local Native American traditions and natural ingredients.

For those seeking an more active experience, the resort offers a host of outdoor activities. Hike through the scenic trails of the Ojai Valley, enjoy a game of tennis, or take a dip in one of the sparkling swimming pools. The resort also features a state-of-the-art fitness center, where guests can maintain their exercise routine while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Ojai Valley Inn is a foodie paradise, boasting a diverse selection of dining options that cater to every palate. The resort's signature restaurant, Olivella and Vine, showcases a farm-to-table concept, serving Italian-influenced, California cuisine crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From exquisite seafood to local produce, every bite is a celebration of flavors and culinary craftsmanship.

For a more casual dining experience, The Oak offers an inviting ambiance, combining rustic charm with contemporary cuisine. A perfect place to enjoy a delectable brunch, savor a leisurely lunch on the terrace, a relaxed dinner under the stars, or simply a crafted cocktail as the sun sets over the valley.

The Ojai Valley is a top destination for the world’s most discerning foodies throughout the year. One of the region’s most highly anticipated highlights of the fall season is Ojai Food + Wine. This exceptional culinary event presented by FOOD & WINE is held from October 26 - 29 at Ojai Valley Inn, and is widely regarded as California’s premier epicurean weekend. The event brings together more than fifty top chefs and one hundred renowned wineries to create an array of experiences that showcase the some of the world’s most vibrant culinary trends and recognizable personalities. Over the course of three days, attendees have the opportunity to indulge in an array of gourmet delights, sample exquisite wines, and participate in cooking demonstrations and interactive workshops. Highlights include a decadent opening night reception which will feature gourmet food and wine tastings along with appearances by culinary world luminaries. The weekend continues with a wine seminar led by Bobby Stuckey and Carlin Kerr focusing rare European varietals, a caviar master class led by Christopher Clapp of Petrossian Caviar West Hollywood, Best New Chef culinary demonstrations hosted by Food & Wine Restaurant Editor, Khushbu Shah, invitation-only after parties presented by Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame, and much more - all of which can be viewed on the Ojai Food + Wine website.

The festival not only offers a gastronomic extravaganza but also provides a platform to support regional farmers, fisheries, producers, and important sustainable practices. From farm-to-table experiences to intimate wine tastings, Ojai Food + Wine celebrates fine dining and culinary heritage while promoting a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to winemaking and the culinary arts.

With its picturesque landscapes, luxurious amenities, and a dedication to culinary excellence, Ojai Valley Inn offers a truly unforgettable getaway. Whether you seek relaxation, outdoor adventures, or a culinary journey, this enchanting resort promises to exceed your expectations. Engage with the serenity of the Ojai Valley, immerse yourself in the splendor of the natural surroundings, and let Ojai Valley Inn be your gateway to a world of luxury experiences and culinary delights.

For reservations and more information about Ojai Valley Inn and Ojai Food + Wine visit ojaivalleyinn.com

By Quentin Smith

Saint Tropez, a storied seaside town nestled along the sun-kissed French Riviera, is renowned for the luxurious boutiques, pristine beaches, azure waters, and a jet-set lifestyle that defines luxury. However, what truly sets this glamorous locale apart is its exceptional culinary scene. While Saint-Tropez offers a myriad of culinary delights from which to choose, we've scoured the town to bring you a curated list of the crème de la crème of fine dining destinations. Whether you're seeking a chic beach club, a harbor-view haven, authentic French flavors, a nightlife spectacle, or a theatrical culinary extravaganza, these restaurants promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you with unforgettable memories. Get ready for a gastronomic journey like no other, as we explore the best restaurants for every taste in Saint-Tropez.

Les Palmiers: A Chic Beachfront Oasis

Location: Plage de Pampelonne

Saint-Tropez’s daytime dining scene is synonymous with beachside elegance, and Les Palmiers embodies this ethos perfectly. Nestled on the iconic Plage de Pampelonne, Les Palmiers offers a chic beach club experience that stands out amongst the crowd. Imagine yourself lounging on fully serviced day beds right on the beach, toes in the sand, and the Mediterranean breeze in your hair. In between dips in the sea, you can lounge comfortably while enjoying Mediterranean plates, wines from around the world, and specialty cocktails by master mixologists. Following your beach day is a sumptuous brunch or late afternoon lunch at Les Palmier’s restaurant, complete with breathtaking views of the sea and one of the best daytime menus in town. Chef William Piron takes diners on a culinary odyssey with dishes like Apulian burrata with local heirloom tomatoes, Gamberoni prawn carpaccio, Mediterranean bluefin tuna, and filet de boeuf Français a la truffe. All paired with inspired cocktails and some of the finest regional wines. While the menu would be reason enough to visit Les Palmiers, it is also is where the Saint-Tropez elite come to see and be seen. As the day unfolds, the outdoor dining area becomes the social hub of Plage de Pampelonne, with cool ocean breezes and world-class DJs spinning upbeat tunes that set the mood for an truly memorable beachfront experience.

Le Girelier Saint Tropez: Mediterranean Charm by the Port

Location: Vieux Port

For a more relaxed yet equally sophisticated experience, head to Le Girelier Saint-Tropez. This hidden gem is nestled along the Vieux Port, offering enchanting harbor views and a charming Mediterranean atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner, Le Girelier delivers. Le Girelier is where you'll find Saint-Tropez’s laid-back elegance at its finest.

The restaurant exudes a refinement that defines the style of Saint-Tropez, with its beach-chic decor reminiscent of life in the world’s most glamorous ports-of-call. The menu showcases seasonal dishes that celebrate the bounty of the sea and the region, paired with an exceptional selection of wines. Inspired by the South of France, and orchestrated with precision by Vosges-Alsatian duo, Chefs David Didelot and Laurent Simon, seasonal dishes are prepared with the freshest local ingredients and bursting with Provençal flavors. Expect freshly caught seafood, rich pastas, and signature dishes such as The Girelier Bouillabaisse served with noble fish (bass, Saint-Pierre, sea bream) accompanied by a saffron soup and fine rouille. Not to be missed are the Le Girelier's Fruit de Mer selections, which include one of the region’s widest selections of seafood combinations. Beyond the cuisine, you can expect to receive the most attentive service and an inviting ambiance that is sure to make your visit to Le Girelier a memorable one.

Le Café Saint-Tropez: Authentic French Cuisine on Place Des Lices

Location: Place Des Lices

When the sun sets over Saint-Tropez, Le Café takes center stage as the go-to spot for authentic French fine dining. Le Café is a haven for those seeking the quintessential romantic charm of Saint-Tropez’s old town. For the best experience, dine al fresco on Place des Lices under the twinkling lights and watch the world go by. Inside diners are surrounded by opulent decor that exudes relaxed French sophistication. The vibrant authentic Provençal-style decor is alive with light colors, moiré fabrics, floral prints and cherished objects, including vintage cinema posters and manuscripts. The main attraction is of course the menu, which can be described as a celebration of classic French dishes, prepared with a contemporary twist. From escargot to la côte de veau dóree to a black truffle and foie gras macaroni gratinated with parmesan cheese, each plate is a epicurean masterpiece. Whichever dish you select, be sure to pair your meal with a bottle of wine from Le Café’s exquisite list to savor the flavors of France in the best way. As night falls, Le Café transforms into a lively piano bar with the sounds of French classics filling the room, creating a festive atmosphere and memories to last a lifetime.

Le Quai: Where the Night Comes Alive

Location: Vieux Port

If you're looking for a late-night rendezvous with views of the Port of Saint-Tropez’s shimmering lights, pulsating DJ sets, a lively party atmosphere, and captivating live performances, Le Quai is the place to be. This trendy hotspot has become a nightlife icon in Saint-Tropez. The fusion of gourmet cuisine with a vibrant nightlife scene ensures that your evening here will be nothing short of electrifying. Located in the heart of Vieux Port, this late-night dining establishment offers an exciting menu for those those seeking a late-night culinary adventure. The menu boasts a fusion of international flavors and inventive gourmet creations, making it perfect for a night on the town. Menu standouts include dishes like beef tartar with summer truffles, golden bass and creamy burratina with heirloom tomatoes, tom yam with cod, and creative sushi combinations. After dinner, Le Quai is where the night owls of Saint Tropez come together to dance, dine, and celebrate. An innovative concept in the world of nightlife, Le Quai is an art inspired restaurant and cabaret with curated performances that evolve throughout the night, culminating into live DJ sets and a lively bar scene where guests can choose from an enticing selection of classic and original cocktails.

L'Opera: A Symphony of Global Cuisine and Glamour

Location: 5 Rue Sibille

To cap off your Saint-Tropez culinary journey, step into the world of L'Opera. In Saint-Tropez, fine dining is not just about food; it's a complete sensory experience and L’Opera delivers on all fronts. Transcending the boundaries of a traditional restaurant, L’Opera offers international cuisine experience intertwined with lavish decor and an unmatched ambiance. As you step into this iconic Saint-Tropez establishment, you will be immersed into world of inspired luxury. The menu is a journey through international flavors, and the cocktails are works of art. But what truly sets L'Opera apart are its electrifying and glamorous shows, which turn every meal into a theatrical masterpiece. The menu at L'Opera is a global voyage in itself, featuring dishes inspired by flavors from around the world. Dishes such as wild shrimp dumplings with lemongrass broth, wagyu beef tataki with black garlic and crispy Enoki mushrooms, king crab legs on ice with honey coriander vinaigrette, and one of the finest caviar bars in Saint-Tropez. Start the night with a handcrafted cocktail or select from L’Opera’s extensive wine list and enjoy your libation while reveling in the opulence of the surroundings and taking in one of L’Opera’s legendary live shows.

In Saint Tropez, fine dining isn't just a meal; it's an event. The restaurants mentioned in this guide represent the exquisite culinary world that awaits you in this glamorous French Riviera town. Whether you're seeking beachfront chic, Mediterranean charm, authentic French cuisine, late-night revelry, or global culinary extravagance, Saint Tropez has it all. Bon appétit!

This article was originally published in JustLuxe magazine on September 11, 2023.

By WKNDER

When one thinks of Saint-Tropez, visions of glitz, glamour, and the allure of the French Riviera often come to mind. However, nestled within this picturesque coastal town lies a hidden gem that offers a retreat like no other - La Ferme d'Augustin. This enchanting hotel seamlessly combines classic Provençal architecture, luxurious amenities, and an unwavering commitment to wellness, making it the best wellness hotel in Saint-Tropez, France.

La Ferme d'Augustin is a tranquil oasis tucked away on a hillside, overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Its verdant gardens provide a sense of seclusion and tranquility, offering the perfect escape from the bustling streets of Saint-Tropez. Privacy is paramount here, allowing guests to unwind and recharge in a serene environment. For those seeking new levels of relaxation, L'Espace d'Augustine awaits. This exclusive spa offers advanced wellness services that include osteopathy, kinesiotherapy, rejuvenating facials, and indulgent massages. Highly trained therapists tailor each treatment to individual needs, ensuring a holistic and transformative experience that leaves you feeling renewed and revitalized.

La Ferme d'Augustin takes all aspects of wellness seriously, and their stunning hyperionic swimming pool by Sublio is a testament to that commitment. This rare and unique swimming pool offers guests a holistic cosmetic-therapeutic solution that naturally addresses skin aging by promoting skin repair and revitalization by simply swimming. The ion infused water of La Ferme d’Augustin’s swimming pool allows guests to enjoy a day of leisure while simultaneously experiencing a reparative skin treatment designed to optimize skin's vital functions. The innovative technology behind this pool stimulates microcirculation, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

The journey towards relaxation and rejuvenation at La Ferme d'Augustin includes the culinary experience offered by the hotel’s restaurant, La Table d’Augustin. The hotel's esteemed restaurant, is a culinary haven that showcases the finest of Provençal cuisine. Here, guests are treated to a gastronomic experience focused on fresh and locally sourced produce, and an array of prime meats and catch of the day seafood - including rare Saint-Tropez lobsters, which are highly prized within the culinary world. The menu is complemented by wines from the hotel's own small vineyard, offering an exclusive taste of the region's viticultural prowess. For those with a sweet tooth, the sugar-free dessert menu prepared with sugar alternative Natsuc, is a delightful surprise that caters to both indulgence and well-being.

The hotel's strategic location is another one of its many attributes. Pampelonne Beach, renowned for its white sands and vibrant beach clubs, is just a stone's throw away. After a day of relaxation, guests can explore the vibrant beach scene and return to the calm embrace of La Ferme d’Augustin. Moreover, the proximity to the Port of Saint-Tropez means that you're never too far from the town's charming shops, designer boutiques, lively cafes, and iconic harbor views. A complimentary luxury car shuttle into town for guests, and ease of access makes La Ferme d'Augustin the perfect base for your Saint-Tropez adventure.

In the heart of Saint-Tropez, where glamour meets tranquility, La Ferme d'Augustin stands out as the quintessential wellness retreat. With its farm-to-table cuisine, innovative hyperionic pool, rejuvenating spa, and serene surroundings, this hidden gem offers an unparalleled restorative experience. Its verdant natural surroundings, and proximity to the sea and town make it the ultimate destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. If you desire to experience the best of what Saint-Tropez has to offer, look no further than La Ferme d’Augustin. Your journey to serenity begins here.

For more information visit La Ferme d’Augustin

This editorial was written and published in collaboration with JustLuxe magazine

By WKNDER

A new destination awaits luxury travelers jet setting to Los Cabos this summer. Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa, a recently opened haven of opulence, promises an unforgettable escape in the heart of Baja California’s most coveted holiday destination. A seamless blend of exquisite design, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service, this seaside resort epitomizes the art of refined vacation travel that is ideal for couples, families, and large groups.

For guests wanting to prioritize relaxation and ease, Villa La Valencia offers a luxury all-inclusive experience that caters to every desire. The all-inclusive experience allows even the most discerning of international travelers to experience a world of unparalleled luxury with a wide array of amenities and culinary experiences at your fingertips. Whether you crave zen bliss or unbridled fun, indulgence knows no bounds at the Villa La Valencia.

The Villa La Valencia experience begins with the luxurious rooms and suites which have been designed exude sophistication and comfort. Each space is meticulously adorned with contemporary furnishings, complemented by tasteful accents inspired by some of Baja California’s most opulent modern beach houses. Guests are treated to panoramic views of the sparkling Sea of Cortez and the lush tropical gardens below, creating restorative spaces designed to rejuvenate both body and soul. For families or groups traveling together, the resort offers two-bedroom or three-bedroom ocean front suites and penthouses that come appointed with full kitchens, spacious living rooms, separate bedrooms, and private outdoor jacuzzis in select suites. Ideal couples or solo travelers, the resort also offers luxurious deluxe studios and one-bedroom suites with expansive terraces and freestanding bathtubs for ultimate relaxation at the end of the day.

Foodies will delight in the gastronomic journey that awaits at any one of Villa La Valencia’s five eateries. With an impressive array of fine dining venues, the resort showcases the culinary genius of renowned chefs who artfully combine local flavors and international influences. From delectable Italian inspired dishes crafted from the freshest local catch at La Taberna Italian Cuisine, to succulent cuts of prime meats cooked to perfection at Latitud 23.5 Steak House, each bite delivers unique flavors that will tantalize even the most discerning palates. At every turn, the talented chefs, mixologists, and sommeliers at Villa La Valencia create epicurean experiences that allow guests to savor unique international flavors and culinary traditions. The expertly crafted dishes and wine parings at each restaurant showcase the region’s fresh local ingredients and award-winning wine collections.

After an evening of fine dining, guests can socialize in chic atmosphere of the La Jolla Lobby Bar, where skilled mixologists concoct exquisite cocktails that are as visually impressive as they are delicious. Sip on a perfectly crafted signature mezcal margarita or enjoy a glass of fine wine, as you immerse yourself in the bar’s elegant ambiance. Whether you choose La Jolla for an intimate for a nightcap or a sunny libation on the beach, each “salud” is a moment of celebration with family or friends.

For those seeking to maintain their fitness routine while away, Villa La Valencia leaves no stone unturned. The state-of-the-art gym is equipped with the latest fitness technology, ensuring a comprehensive workout experience tailored to various levels and individual needs. With breathtaking views of the ocean, exercising becomes an invigorating and inspiring ritual, setting the stage for a truly holistic well-being journey. Wellness enthusiasts will find their haven in the resort’s Azul Wellness Spa Center which offers an array of treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions and modern wellness practices. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments — including massage, invigorating facials, or bespoke wellness rituals designed to enrich body, mind, and spirit.

Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa embodies the pinnacle of Baja Californian luxury. With its exquisite rooms and suites, all-inclusive amenities, indulgent spa services, world-class dining, state-of-the-art gym, and breathtaking beachfront location, it promises an unrivaled escape for those seeking the ultimate in opulence. From its close proximity to California to the enchanting allure of its surroundings, this remarkable resort beckons travelers to discover a world where dreams of the perfect vacation getaway become an exquisite reality.

Getting There:

Travel to Los Cabos is seamless, with an international airport and a number of transfer services available upon arrival - including Cabo Seasons which offers luxury SUV transportation to and from Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa can be arranged in advance by the resort’s concierge team.

One of the many advantages of Los Cabos is its close proximity to Southern California, making it an ideal getaway for travelers from the Golden State. A short flight from Los Angeles, San Diego or CBX transports you the world of Villa La Valencia, where the tranquility of Los Cabos and the allure of Baja California's unique culture await.

For more information and special rates visit villalavalencia.com

By Quentin Smith

When it comes to the French Riviera, Saint-Tropez is a name that effortlessly conjures up images of glamour, azure waters, and a vibrant beach culture, like no other. Nestled along the famed Plage de Pampellone exists a new haven for those seeking the epitome of luxury and beach chic. Welcome to Club Les Palmiers, Saint-Tropez's latest beachside destination and a sanctuary of luxury that seamlessly blends fine dining and bohemian elegance with the laid-back charm of the Côte d’Azur. With its beach club, tantalizing restaurant, and enticing concept shop, Les Palmiers offers a complete sensory experience that captures the distinctive essence of Saint-Tropez.

Upon arriving at Les Palmiers, the heady combination of sun, sand, and sea invite you to take a refreshing swim and settle into a day of leisure. Les Palmiers’ beach club, with its plush loungers and attentive staff, ensure that you have everything you need for a day of relaxation. Choose from a bottle of chilled wine from Les Palmiers’ extensive list, or one of the refreshing cocktails and mocktails, expertly crafted by the skilled bartenders. The drink menu is a fusion of classic favorites and innovative creations, making it the perfect accompaniment to the gentle lull of the waves and the sound of laughter from fellow beachgoers.

As the sun begins its descent over the Mediterranean, Les Palmiers' restaurant takes center stage. The menu, a symphony of Mediterranean flavors, is a delightful reflection of the region's rich culinary heritage. Complete with breathtaking views of the sea and one of the best daytime menus in town diners can choose from a wide array of dishes - Think: Apulian burrata with local heirloom tomatoes, Gamberoni prawns, Mediterranean bluefin tuna, filet de boeuf Français a la truffe, or a perfectly grilled local catch. For those craving a taste of the South of France, Les Palmiers offers an array of regional specialties such as bouillabaisse and Provençal ratatouille. The extensive wine list showcases the best of French vineyards, allowing you to pair your meal with the perfect vintage.

The atmosphere of Les Palmiers is energetic, with live a festive vibe that attracts a diverse crowd of locals and international jet setters who appreciate the good life. Live DJs curate sounds that take the party into the early evening with a mesmerizing blend of chilled out beats and upbeat tunes that transports guests into a world of relaxation.

Those looking to indulge in a bit of retail therapy can take a leisurely stroll through Les Palmiers' concept shop. The one of a kind boutique is a treasure trove of chic swimwear, breezy kaftans, and elegant beach accessories, all curated by Stéphanie Di Benedetto who draws her inspiration from her travels to Morocco, Ibiza, New York, and beyond. In addition to fashion, the shop features a range of artisanal products from local designers and craftsmen. From handmade ceramics to exquisite fragrances, you'll find unique souvenirs that `reflect the effortless style of Saint-Tropez.

In Saint-Tropez, Les Palmiers offers an all-encompassing experience that effortlessly blends luxury, relaxation, and style. Whether you're basking in the sun at the beach club, savoring delectable dishes at the restaurant, or indulging in retail therapy at the concept shop, Les Palmiers promises an unforgettable experience and a testament to the timeless allure of Saint-Tropez. Les Palmiers is more than just a destination; it is where the sea meets sophistication, and paradise becomes a reality.

For more information visit Club Les Palmiers

By Quentin Smith

With Italy’s Amalfi Coast as its postcard-perfect backdrop, Dolce Vitality, Le Sirenuse’s biannual, luxury fitness and wellness retreat returns this Fall, and again in spring of 2023. With a revamp led by Francesco Sersale - whose background in hospitality and wellness inspired a renewed vision for the retreat - Dolce Vitality has refocused its ambitions to be more than your average luxury wellness program. Instead, it embodies the regional lifestyle it a way that expands the definition of the Amalfi Coast mantra, “Dolce Vita.” Dolce Vitality thoughtfully embraces the “sweet life” of its glamorous surroundings while simultaneously encouraging physical transformation and spiritual growth. All with a healthy dose of the elegance and refinement for which Le Sirenuse is renowned.

A bastion of rarified luxury and Italian hospitality since 1953, Le Sirenuse sets the standard by which La Dolce Vita is measured in all of its various incarnations throughout Italy and around the world. With its prominent perch above the heart of Positano, the 18th-century villa — easily identified by its signature crimson red exterior — overlooks the village and the ever-changing horizon of the Tyrrhenian Sea, setting dramatic and majestic stage for the entire experience. Once inside, the storied hotel and its rooms radiate with whimsical antiques, foliage-filled urns, Sersale family heirlooms, museum-quality works of fine art, and the signature hand-painted ceramic-tile floors. The prime sea-facing rooms — reserved for Dolce Vitality guests during the retreat — feature private balconies that create the perfect nest for an afternoon siesta or a meditative sunset at the end of a full day. Dolce Vitality guests also have the added benefit of exclusive access to the hotel for the full duration of the retreat, creating a true haven for rigorous daily physical activity and personal reinvention. Once described by John Steinbeck as “an old family house converted into a first-class hotel,” Le Sirenuse provides the perfect home away from home for breathing new life into a revitalized version of one’s self.

While Positano is best known for its vibrant beach clubs, cerulean waters and seaside allure, the verdant hills and mountains surrounding the picturesque port are equally as beloved by those fortunate enough to discover its charms. Drawing inspiration from its rich history and mystical environs, Dolce Vitality makes good use of the region’s ancient mountain footpaths, mule tracks, and an intricate network of passageways and untrodden paths, which offer some of the world's best stair-climbing routes and outdoor workouts with views to remember. These magical vistas — some of which span the Amalfi Coast, sweeping around to Capri Island in the distance and vertically down to the Port of Positano — are par for the course during the daily hikes that combine the steep and winding stairways of the coastal village with the lush mountain trails of the area's hidden hillside hamlets. Traversing native herb gardens, cliff-hanging lemon and olive groves, centuries-old piazzas, sacred chapels and tiny villages, guests feel not only the burn of rigorous daily workouts, but also experience the Amalfi region and its age-old culture in a way that is normally reserved for the generations of locals who call this spectacular coastline home.

“The feeling of having lived through something unique is an experience that gives you new insight on how to maintain a healthy body and mind for years to come.” says Dolce Vitality nutritionist Dr. Paolo Toniolo when asked about the Dolce Vitality mission. The retreat’s program prioritizes balance in all areas of health, fitness and overall wellness. This is accomplished through low-impact strength training, massage therapy, restful meditation, and daily yoga led by acclaimed yoga instructors. All of which are part of a full-circle health and fitness program curated by a team comprised of some of Italy’s most respected wellness experts. It should be noted that the daily hikes are strenuous, fast-paced, and best-suited for guests already engaged in advanced level fitness programs. The program begins with a personalized one-on-one body-mass assessment and optional cardiovascular testing with Dr. Toniolo, ensuring an optimal experience for each individual guest. Morning treks are followed by afternoon fitness sessions which focus on low-impact strength training through a calibrated program of stretching, resistance band exercises, gentle weight training, core mat work, and TRX suspension trainer workouts that sculpt the body and enhance general well-being. Personalized massages are interwoven throughout the training to target specific muscle groups and maintain mental equilibrium, reinforcing Dolce Vitality’s tenets of holistic health.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Southern Italy without enjoying one of the region’s main attractions, coastal Southern Italian cuisine. During the retreat Le Sirenuse’s restaurant, bar, and room service will be focused on food and beverage options which meet the program's nutritional goals. The vibrant menu however, remains regionally-inspired and locally sourced with organic meals designed by top nutritionists and health coaches. Prepared daily by Le Sirenuse’s very own Michelin-starred Chef Gennaro Russo, the menu is based on traditional elements of the Mediterranean diet and delivers optimal nutritional benefits by eliminating high calorie foods, gluten, and all meats, with the exception of fresh fish; replacing them instead with a mostly plant-based menu, natural beverages, and herbal infusions. And as good wine is part of the local culture, organic wines are available for those who want it. “I would like for people to return home with the perception that a healthy lifestyle can improve both mind and body.” says Silvana Del Pizzo, Dolce Vitality Spa Manager. Though initially this aspect of the program may sound restrictive to some, according to Dolce Vitality health coaches, guests should expect to be pleasantly surprised by how quickly the body adapts to newly implemented wellness techniques and dietary habits. A thoughful way of living that will help form a foundation for self-restoration and Dolce Vitality for years to come.

DETAILS & PLANNING

The all-inclusive price of $8,500 covers the complete program including spa treatments, meals, accommodations and all transfers, including pick-up and drop-off at the Naples train station or airport. Space is limited to twenty guests for each six-night Dolce Vitality retreat (March 19 - 25, 2023).

Guests opting to extend their stay in Positano or explore the region independently should be aware that although the local ferry schedules to and from Positano are limited in the off-season months, a wonderful alternative for transport to and from Naples from anywhere in the region is Blacklane. The luxury car service can be arranged online or through the Blacklane app, and offers private, chauffeured business and first class car services via its fleet of Mercedes sedans, business vans or SUVs.

For more information on Le Sirenuse and Dolce Vitality please visit sirenuse.it

By Quentin Smith

Paris has always been synonymous with luxury and elegance. However, experiencing the charm of the French capital doesn't necessarily require breaking the bank. If you're looking for a blend of affordable luxury, location, and lifestyle, citizenM Opera in the heart of Paris checks all the boxes. This vibrant and contemporary hotel redefines the meaning of affordable luxury and delivers an unforgettable experience for budget-conscious travelers.

CitizenM Opera boasts an enviable location that is ideal for any traveler already familiar with Paris, or exploring the city for the first time. Situated in the 9th arrondissement, the hotel is just a stone's throw away from the iconic Palais Garnier, the Louvre Museum, and the vibrant Grands Boulevards. Whether you're a culture enthusiast or a shopaholic, this prime location puts you within walking distance of Paris's most famous landmarks and shopping districts.

The hallmark of citizenM Opera is undoubtedly its signature rooms. Designed with meticulous attention to detail and functionality, each room offers a cozy and comfortable sanctuary for weary travelers. The interiors feature a fusion of modern technology and stylish decor, creating an ambiance that's perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The rooms are equipped with "smart" amenities, including mood lighting, a tablet that controls everything from the temperature to the TV, and an exceptionally comfortable XL king-sized bed. The citizenM philosophy of "affordable luxury" means you don't have to compromise on comfort or quality.

The hotel's bar and restaurant are destinations in themselves. Aptly named canteenM, the lobby bar is the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring the city. Offering a chic and cozy atmosphere, canteenM is the perfect place to enjoy a signature cocktail or a glass of wine from the bar’s extensive wine selection. The canteen concept extends to the restaurant, where you can savor a delectable range of food options, including fresh pastries and artisan coffee in the morning, as well as hearty dishes and snacks throughout the day. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely breakfast or grabbing a quick bite before heading out, the citizenM Opera Hotel has your dining needs covered.

CitizenM Opera has taken great care to design communal spaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The lobby area, known as the Living Room, features a fusion of contemporary art, books, vibrant colors, and plush seating, creating a relaxed environment where guests can socialize, work, or simply unwind. The hotel's design concept emphasizes open, airy spaces that make you feel right at home in the heart of Paris. Additionally, the hotel offers a mini garden terrace. A serene oasis where you enjoy a bit of fresh air and quiet while sipping a coffee or cocktail. It's a perfect spot to escape, all while staying comfortably ensconced in a beautifully designed space.

CitizenM Opera encapsulates the essence of affordable luxury. It's a place where comfort, design, and prime location come together to create a memorable and accessible experience for travelers. If you're looking to explore the enchanting streets of Paris while enjoying the comfort and style of a modern hotel, look no further than citizenM Opera, a delightful and budget-friendly stay that's truly à la mode.

For more information visit citizenM.com

By WKNDER

When we think about culinary trends in the United States, the foodie meccas of San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are destinations that typically make the roster. Recent years, however, have given rise to a number of exciting food destinations, one of which is the perennially tony ski town of Vail, Colorado. While the posh winter playground has long attracted ski buffs, Vail has recently begun to lure discerning foodies to its slopes by reinventing a few culinary classics and delivering a dose of international flair to the mountain hamlet. We topped our list with 3 sensational standouts that are sure to impress even the most progressive of palates this winter.

MATSUHISA VAIL

With locations in Beverly Hills, Aspen, Mykonos and Athens, Nobu Matsuhisa’s Vail outpost brings an unmistakable air of international flair to the all-American mountain ski village. Complete with soaring ceilings, expansive windows, a stone fireplace and outdoor fire pits, Matsuhisa Vail is a spectacular setting for taking in the panoramic views of Vail Mountain while feasting on world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature style of Japanese and Peruvian fusion. Influenced by his traditional training in Tokyo and culinary work in South America, Chef Nobu’s creations are defined by a juxtaposition of flavors and ingredients from both continents. At Matsuhisa Vail the “Nobu Style” is best experienced through several menu favorites, including the Yellowtail with Jalapeño (pictured), grilled Colorado Lamb and Tiradito-Style Sashimi, and of course Matsuhisa’s famous miso-marinated broiled Black Cod (pictured). Sushi connoisseurs will appreciate the restaurant’s expansive white oak sushi bar where diners can choose from a wide-range of classic nigiri, sushi, and unique starters including, Tuna Tataki, Toro Tartar, and oysters with a selection of Nobu salsas.

MOUNTAIN STANDARD

Ask a savvy local to name their favorite restaurant and town, and there is a very good chance that you will be enthusiastically pointed in the direction of Mountain Standard. Located on the banks of Gore Creek, this centrally located bistro is a Vail social hub and a great place to experience some local flavor. Floor to ceiling windows and a glass-enclosed kitchen make Mountain Standard a casual yet elevated alternative to some of Vail’s more traditional aprés-ski options. If a long day on-piste necessitates a bit of aprés comfort, Mountain Standard has you covered. The signature dishes are inventive yet approachable, with locally sourced ingredients served up in innovative ways. With an ever-expanding menu that skews toward the heartier side, Mountain Standard boasts an impressive offering of protein-based dishes that include local lamb and fish and premium grass-fed steaks. Not to be dismissed, Mountain Standard’s side dishes and appetizers are particularly memorable, including a Southern Pimento Cheese with bacon cider jam that earns its place among the menu’s best options. The Corned Pork Shank with gruyere potato puree, served with cabbage, green apple and a caraway vinaigrette is not to be missed. A close second is the Rocky Mountain Trout with cauliflower, honey poached cranberries, and spiced almonds with a brown butter vinaigrette.

SWEET BASIL

Another one of Vail’s best restaurants is longtime local favorite, Sweet Basil. Located in the heart of Vail Village, Sweet Basil’s dining room overlooks Gore Creek and is the perfect place to take in the sunset or keep cozy on a snowy evening. Originally opened in 1977, this white-tablecloth eatery is a casual Vail institution that has earned its loyal following by always keeping things interesting with an experimental menu that changes monthly and is comprised of bold flavors that make the most of seasonal ingredients. Winter dishes such as Loch Duart Salmon (pictured) with sweet & sour beets, red wine cabbage puree, pistachio gremolata and pomegranate are offered alongside Duck a la Plancha with sweet potato puree, roasted carrots, date agrodolce, chipotle rice cracker (pictured). Vegetarians will savor the Root Vegetable Bolognese with whipped parmesan, preserved tomato, sweet basil and Pappardelle, a particularly comforting cold-weather favorite. Wine lovers will immediately notice the expansive glass-walled cellar where hundreds of Sweet Basil’s best wines are prominently displayed. The restaurant’s expert pairings are a must and a fantastic way to experience the unexpected flavor combinations of Chefs Paul Anders and Martin Woods.

Below is a comprehensive list of our honorable mentions for Vail brunch, lunch, dinner and aprés ski options

APRÉS SKI

Frost / Classy bar with stylish decor offering craft cocktails and light far at The Sebastian Hotel

The Remedy Bar / Hotspot for imbibing and indulging in alpine fair in a mountain-chic setting at The Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail. Be sure to order the signature Haute Chocolate (pictured). A luxurious hot chocolate made with Swiss chocolate, artisanal marshmallow and chantilly cream

BRUNCH

Vintage / Charming French brasserie serving classic fare in addition to cocktails, beer and wine. The Huckleberry Bacon French Toast (pictured) is a brunch-must. Think: mascarpone & dulce de leche stuffed brioche, huckleberry syrup, bourbon whipped cream and a side of bacon

Westside Cafe & Market / Cozy restaurant serving comfort food in a casual dining setting

LUNCH

Almresi Restaurant / Rustic mountain cottage-style restaurant offering festive German, Austrian and Swiss fare

DINNER

Almresi Restaurant / See above

Swiss Chalet / Upscale eatery for fondue and signature Swiss cuisine at the Sonnenalp Hotel

Tavern On The Square / Chic, contemporary restaurant serving New American fare located at The Arrabelle At Square Village

Annapuma / Casual Indian eatery serving curries, meat dishes and vegetarian food

By Chloe Pontbriand

With the social demands of the holiday season fast approaching, prioritizing personal wellness and self-care should be the top of everyone’s list. For travelers headed to Paris in November, Lili Barbery-Coulon is taking over Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, with a pop-up store focusing on self-care and wellness. The former beauty journalist turned meditation and yoga instructor is setting herself up in the hotel’s Salons Historiques from November 19th and 20th, to a curated range of restorative products and experiences.

Within the elegant surroundings of Hôtel de Crillon, Lili Barbery-Coulon will hold workshops for the general public, provide opportunities to meet today's most inspirational authors of books on food and wellness, and present a selection of her favorite wellness brands.

On day one of the event, twenty lucky participants will enjoy a fun and informative day with Lili Barbery-Coulon in the Salons overlooking the Place de la Concorde. Over the course of the day, Lili will expand on her vision of wellness through a full program of rewarding experiences, including meditation sessions, an introduction to naturopathy, a “vision board” workshop and meditative sound bath. Chef Boris Campanella will lend a gourmet touch to the experience with a special lunch for the occasion.

As part of the experience, naturopath Sylvie Ganter-Cervasel will lead an introductory workshop on a diet linked to our vital needs, while Franco-American life coach Zeva Bellel, who provides guidance on career development for women, will run a “vision board” workshop to lead us into the new year. Finally, Mayia Alleaume, a sound therapist and founder of the Sentara Holistic brand, will round off the day with a relaxing sound bath using crystal bowls.

For more information visit rosewoodhotels.com

By Quentin Smith

One of the most anticipated hotel openings in France is finally here, and it doesn’t disappoint. With a fresh take on Parisian elegance and refinement, Kimpton St. Honoré Paris brings Kimpton’s modern hospitality to Paris’ Opera District. Just a stone's throw from Place Vendôme, the Paris Opera, Faubourg St Honoré & the Tuileries Gardens, Kimpton St Honoré Paris is the perfect home away from home in the City of Lights.

Housed in a historic Art Nouveau building built in 1917, the former 1900s 'Samaritaine de Luxe' department store has been reincarnated as a sophisticated - yet refreshingly informal - luxury space by French architect and interior designer Charles Zana. With hints of Art Deco and Art Nouveau motifs, the 123 guest rooms and 26 suites are well-appointed and inspired by Parisian apartments. Balconies, floor to ceiling windows and carefully selected works of art add charm and Parisian chic to the hotel’s interior spaces. Upon arrival guests will notice the sweeping original staircase and wooden elevator in the lobby which have been restored and stand out as distinctive architectural features of the hotel.

Foodies will delight in Kimpton St Honoré Paris’ multiple dining options. On the ground floor of the hotel is Montecito Restaurant. A chic eatery that pays homage to California style with a colorful, airy, and light-filled space designed by Humbert & Poye. The service is warm and extraordinarily friendly and welcomes both guests and locals alike with a menu that offers a contemporary take on French brasserie favorites. The dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients and the menu combines a quintessentially Californian flair with French technique. Signature dishes include a Korean-fusion fried chicken, langoustine tostadas, gourmet truffle pizzettas, and an array of inventive salads. Delectable craft cocktails and live music add a final touch of magic to a Parisian evening inspired by the California dream.

“Kimpton St Honoré Paris brings a new luxury offering to Paris – defying traditional boundaries with quiet confidence, easy-going elegance and the light-heartedness of Parisian chic.” says Christopher Laure, Area General Manager of IHG Hotels & Resorts. Sequoia is the hotel’s casual luxury rooftop bar and garden that embodies this sentiment perfectly. Located high above the city on the hotel’s 10th floor, Sequoia offers breathtaking 360° views over the rooftops of Paris and its emblematic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and Opéra Garnier. Sequoia is fast becoming one of the most buzzed about summer hot spots. With its easy sophistication, relaxed chic, garden aesthetic, and rhythmic surf house playlists, Sequoia is the perfect place to take in a sunset with friends or snap that perfect Paris selfie. The menu is thoughtfully curated and offers some best regional wines, champagnes, and cocktails. Inside of the hotel, guests can also enjoy the much-loved Kimpton Social Hour, which is held daily at 5pm and gives guests an opportunity to connect with each other over complimentary wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

With wellness and relaxation as central tenets to the Kimpton brand ethos, the hotel's spa is not to be missed. A stunning indoor heated swimming pool takes center stage, complimented by a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a spa run by French brand CODAGE. As with all Kimpton hotels, there are bicycles available for guests to borrow for exploring the city. Kimpton St Honoré Paris has partnered with La Roue Libre, a local, family-owned specialist bicycle shop to provide vintage inspired bicycles that compliment the Art Deco style of the hotel. The hotel has also partnered with luxury dog treat company Bonne & Filou to provide all four-legged guests with Dog Macarons upon arrival, this is part of Kimpton’s pet-friendly policy implemented at all its hotels worldwide.

For reservations and more information about Kimpton St. Honoré Paris please visit kimptonsthonoreparis.com

By Quentin Smith

Nestled between the white sands and turquoise waters of South Beach and Miami Beach’s historic Art Deco District, the Kimpton Angler’s South Beach Hotel is the newest addition to the revitalized Washington Avenue section of Miami Beach. Redesigned by San Francisco-based design studio NICOLEHOLLIS, the 132-room hotel is a bastion of chic and an elegant homage to the city’s modernist architectural heritage.

The hotel consists of multiple structures, with a contemporary new addition joining the original buildings which have been renovated and revamped. The redesign includes one, two, and three-story guest rooms and suites comprised of studios, lofts, spa villas and poolside bungalows ranging in size from 400 to 1,000 square feet. Abundant and lush landscaping gives the property a sense of refuge and privacy with shaded palm-lined pathways and verdant nooks throughout.

Design ethusiasts will appreciate the beautiful lobby with mood-setting design details that subtly reference Miami’s history as America’s southernmost port-of-call. Through the use of both refined nautical elements and contrasting finishes—think gleaming black and white stone floors, geometric patterns, lava rock-textured coffee tables—the hotel is a feast for the senses. The attention to design detail extends to the guest rooms, where in contrast to the darkly-hued reception area, bright and airy rooms and suites feature ceiling-high inlaid wood headboards, textured walls, vibrant tiled floors, hand-hewn furnishings and unique decorative pieces that coordinate seamlessly, completing the theme of casual coastal living.

Guests of Kimpton Angler’s are treated to fun perks such as a hosted nightly wine hour, a complimentary morning coffee and tea selection, yoga mats, bicycles, and beach tote bags, towels and umbrellas to take the shore just block away. Before or after exploring the surrounding neighborhood, be sure to check out Minnow Bar. Adjacent to the lobby, the hotel’s lively new watering hole is the place to be for inventive cocktails and elevated casual fare. Feeling very “Miami” in our new surroundings, we opted for the Pink Flamingo. The simple and refreshing drink is made with Banks 5 rum, lime, and grapefruit soda. Feeling inspired for round two, we tried the cleverly named Corpse Reviver, comprised of Lillet Blanc, The Botanist Gin, Cointreau, and lemon finished with an absinthe rinse. We paired our libations with buttery lobster rolls and decadent local oysters—Minnow Bar currently serves breakfast and small-bites, while the highly anticipated Seawell Fish & Oyster restaurant opens Summer 2019.

Sitting atop Kimpton Angler’s new wing is the rooftop pool and sundecks which that can also be used as an event spaces. The intimate and tranquil area overlooks the bustling city with 360º views of South Beach and the dynamic Miami skyline. Rattan loungers, potted trees, and wall murals create a chic poolside, retreat that is the perfect antidote to the demands of city life. If a bit of health and wellness is in order, Kimpton Angler’s provides on-site fitness experts that lead rigorous workouts on the rooftop sun deck. Poolside or in-room facials, massages, or body treatment are also an option. Curated by K’Alma Spa, the treatments use organic and natural products, and address happiness, serenity, healing, connection and energy.

The unique juxtaposition of contemporary design, historic surroundings, and luxury amenities is a fresh take on the coastal lifestyle that has come to define South Beach. Kimpton Angler’s brings it all together in a way that is sure to create a memorable experience for your next Miami adventure.

Kimpton Angler’s South Beach, 660 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Tel: Reservations: +1.866.729.8800 Hotel: +1.305.534.9600

anglershotelmiami.com

By Quentin Smith

Miami Beach is getting a fresh taste of the California with the east coast expansion of Malibu Farm Café, the Malibu-based organic farm-to-fork restaurant by Chef Helene Henderson. The popular eatery has just opened its newest outpost in a gleaming new space at Nobu Hotel, directly overlooking the South Beach boardwalk and the turquoise Atlantic Ocean just beyond. Diners can choose from a well-edited selection of healthy and organic dishes ranging from grass-fed beef sirloin, vegan coconut tofu with seasonal vegetables, pea and pesto couscous, grilled salmon burger with olive aioli, and locally caught fish with seared radish, arugula, and salsa verde. At Malibu Farm Miami Beach, every effort is made to ensure that each dish is prepared using local ingredients wherever possible. “I have been more than impressed by the variety and quality offered up by the organic growers and farmers of South Florida,” says Henderson, “and have worked with our Miami chefs to craft a menu that highlights these offerings with locally-sourced ingredients.” For gluten-free guests, a wood-burning pizza oven serves up cauliflower and zucchini crust pizzas, and for the healthy traditionalist there are classic wood fired pizzas to choose from featuring a range of fresh and organic toppings. And because its still a vacation we’re talking about here, Malibu Farm Miami Beach features a full bar with a menu of organic and plant-based cocktails and fresh juices.

Malibu Farm Miami Beach

4525 Collins Ave.

Miami Beach

305-674-5579

A perennial summer favorite of the sun seeking jet set, the Greek Island of Mykonos has long set the standard for luxury beach going. With glimpses of white sand and turquoise surf at every hairpin turn, it goes without saying that the island isn’t short on places to procure a sun bed and umbrella for the day. However with the opening of SantAnna, one of Mykonos’ newest beach clubs, the bar has been raised considerably for beach clubs on the island that has long set the standard for the rest of the world. 

Aptly described as a “multi-experiential beachfront retreat,” SantAnna is distinguishes itself from similar venues by offering all of the amenities and luxuries of a 5-star, full-service beach resort, but just for the day and often well into the evening. This is exactly what the founders of the SantAnna had in mind at its inception. According to Dimitris Christoforidis, the founder and creative force behind Santanna, “our goal is to have days flow easily into nights. On this island, sometimes you’ll leave your hotel in the morning for a day out and not come home until the next day. That’s just Mykonos.” While SantAnna is quintessentially Mykonian, its charms and allure go far beyond the expected beach scene and wild nightlife the island has become famous for.

Situated on the southern coast of the island, at the center of the uber-chic and increasingly popular Paraga Beach, SantAnna offers guests the best of both worlds. As if its enviable position on the the shimmering waters of the Aegean weren’t enough, guests can opt to spend the day in and out of SantAnna’s saltwater pool which covers 22,600 square-feet and holds an impressive 222,000 gallons of water. Holding the distinction of being the largest of its kind in Europe, the enormous serpentine-shaped swimming pool serves as the sparking centerpiece of the multi-million dollar complex. “The biggest issue travelers to Mykonos would tell me about was their need for a beach club where they had privacy but could also be part of the scene," says Christoforidis. With this in mind the fully serviced pool was designed to feature plenty of cabanas and lounge areas for relaxation, and most importantly privacy. The exclusive VIP pool islands, come complete with their own private subterranean suites. All of which are well-appointed with everything required for a refresh and a recharge before making your way over to the beach where you’ll find plush full-service cabanas and sun beds. This lively stretch of white sand hugs the calm sea and creates the perfect balance for enjoying a post-swim people watching session with your choice of libation and menu selections from SantAnna’s bars and renowned restaurants located just steps away. 

The selection of restaurant options at SantAnna are reason enough to make your way down to Paraga Beach for the day or evening. Christoforidis, a well-known restauranteur whose organic restaurant, Nice-n-Easy, is both an Athens and a Mykonos staple - has brought his years of knowledge and expertise into perfecting the ideal beach day experience for guests of his luxury beach club. “We want to offer an equally lively atmosphere but in a more laid back, chic environment, not only for revelers, but families, groups and single guests alike” says Christoforidis. At SantAnna guests can essentially curate their own experience with a diverse range of options. Guests can choose between several poolside top shelf bars; two organic restaurants - one sushi, and the other farm-to-table Mediterranean. Both offering an array of menu options that showcase the many fresh ingredients that the temperate climate of the Greek Islands has to offer.

If retail therapy is what the doctor ordered, SantAnna has everything to meet your needs. The beach club is home to five unique boutiques featuring beach staples and luxury goods from both local and international designers, several of whom have developed collaborative collections available exclusively at SantAnna. Wellness and pampering is also part of the SantAnna experience. If your beach day turns into your beach night, SantAnna has you covered with its very own gym, spa and salon to ensure that you always look your best.

It wouldn’t be a day in Mykonos without a night in Mykonos, and for that reason SantAnna keeps the beach party going well into the evening. As the Aegean summer sun gives way to moonlight the SantAnna poolside transforms into one of the best parties on the island, with international DJs, playing more chilled-out house tracks in the morning and early afternoon and seamlessly transitioning into more up tempo tunes in the evening. In addition to DJ sets, live music fills the air and keeps the summer sounds flowing underneath the Greek night sky. 

Entry to SantAnna is free, with special booking and pricing available during the season’s major entertainment events. Prices for loungers start at 20 euros and go up to around 500 euros for the VIP islands. The beach club’s concierge can also offer an range of bespoke concierge services, including island tours, private transport and helicopter services, private water taxis, golf carts and private security in addition to any other requests guests might require.

As one of the world’s most buzzed-about 5 star, all-inclusive resorts, UNICO 20°87° in Mexico's beautiful Riviera Maya, has continuously raised the standard and exceeded expectations for all-inclusive fine dining. Since opening in 2017, UNICO 20°87° has remained at the forefront of culinary trends, by immersing its guests into the culture of the Yucatan (and points beyond) through regionally inspired cuisine and cocktails that represent some of the more flavorful aspects of Mexico’s contemporary and indigenous culinary traditions.

This summer the resort plans to out-do itself yet again by curating the ultimate foodie experience for its guests. Superbia, the aptly named seasonal event returns to UNICO 20º87º from July 17 - August 25 and will feature 6 restaurant takeovers by several of the culinary world’s most renowned Michelin ranked and 5 Star Diamond Award winning chefs. Guests will enjoy a plethora of food and drink options, including chef curated menus, sommelier wine pairings, expert tequila tastings, handcrafted cocktails, and bar takeovers by some of the industry’s most well-respected mixologists.

The lineup of is nothing short of stellar with an international roster of rising and established culinary world luminaries, including Chef Roberto Ruiz of Madrid’s Punto Mx, which is celebrating its 5th year as one of the few Michelin-starred restaurants in the world serving traditional Mexican cuisine. Also hailing from Madrid, is Chef J. Antonio Medina whose restaurant, A’Barra, boasts 2 Michelin Stars and is known throughout Europe for its inventive menu consisting of elevated Spanish cuisine, special tasting menus and a gastronomic bar. Another exciting addition to the line-up is María José San Román of Monastrell Restaurant in Alicante, Spain. As part of a select group of female chefs who have placed Alicante on the international foodie radar, Román’s has led Monastrell to its first Michelin star by pairing natural and bold recipes with fresh seafood. Jesús Sánchez, also from Spain will represent Restaurant El Cenador de Amós. Established in 1993, El Cenador de Amós has earned its place on the international gastronomic map with 2 Michelin Stars and 3 Soles (Suns) from the Spanish Repsol Guide. The highly acclaimed restaurant nestled in an 18th Century mansion, is where dedicated foodies will find Chef Sánchez cooking up traditional Spanish dishes with expert flair and meticulous attention to both taste and texture. 

Superbia will also host prominent Mexican and American chefs, including Abel Hernández from Mexico City whose restaurant, Eloise Chic Cuisine was awarded with a 5 Star Diamond Award and incorporates elements of French culinary technique and preparation to create dishes full of flavors that honor the traditional flavors of Mexico City. A recent addition to the lineup is Chef Noah Sandoval a bright new culinary star from Chicago restaurant, Oriole, who was recently named 'Best New Chef” at 2017’s Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, and was nominated as 'Best Chef 2019' by James Beard Foundation. Sandoval’s accomplishments and inventive take on American fine dining have helped set the tone for a new era of fine dining in Chicago where the elegant and intimate 15-course meal at Oriole has earned the restaurant two Michelin Stars and a 5 Star Diamond rating.

The libations will be flowing as well, with some of Mexico’s most sought after mixologists bringing their masterful skills to the annual event. One of Riviera Maya’s leading mixologists and 21 Tequila Brand Ambassador, Edson Arzate will help guests beat the Caribbean summer heat with his unique interpretations of classic tiki cocktails, offering up the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon at one of UNICO’s 4 swimming pools. To kick off the second week of Superbia, UNICO’s very own Executive Mixologist, Luis Vallejo will set up a residency at the resort’s Bar Balam with a menu centered around organic ingredients and local flavors to craft unique cocktails made 100% by hand from start to finish. Also joining the group is Bose Echeverría, ambassador of Moet Hennessy, 1st place winner of National Vodka Belvedere and 2nd place in the International 007 Martini contest. Known for his inventive specialty cocktails, Bose has designed cocktails for internationally recognized brands such as Swarovski, Fendi, Dior, Chanel, and Kenzo. Of course, what trip to the Yucatán would be complete without a taste of mezcal? Tulum-based mixologist Diego Valencia brings to Superbia his extensive knowledge of mezcal-based cocktails. Valencia refined his passion for finely distilled Mexican Mezcal upon arriving to Tulum, where he began to learn the intricate process of production from some of the best Mezcaleros in Mexico. Diego currently studies and develops new techniques using different ingredients as the head bartender at ARCA, Tulum. Mexico City's thriving bar scene is represented by bartender, Distefano Martínez whose mastery of contemporary cocktails will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the Superbia festivities. Martinez currently serves as an ambassador for Absolut Vodka and is a leading bartender at Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour, rated 'Latin America’s Best Bar' by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Rounding out the dream team is Lorena Seligson. As an ambassador for Campari Group and certified sommelier, Seligson will be making sure palates are pleased with expert wine and cocktail pairings.

As if this weren’t enough, all 4 restaurants at UNICO 20º87º and its several poolside eateries will offer the internationally inspired gourmet cuisine that has become one of UNICO’s many claims to fame. If you are craving Japanese, Mura House offers a sophisticated design setting and a menu to match. With a full sushi bar and a menu comprised of dishes such as Tuna Tataki, Red Curry Beef and Toriyaki just to name a few, even most discerning aficionado of Japanese fusion cuisine will be delighted. If you have a taste for Italian look no further than the beautifully designed Mi Carisa. As UNICO’s most elevated dining experience, the Coastal Italian inspired Mi Carisa serves a variety of mouth-watering pasta dishes, along with unexpected offering such as Tuna Carpaccio with Grana Padano, and the ever-popular grilled Mushroom Crusted Beef Filet paired with savory Mushroom and Truffle Risotto. With local flavor at the heart of UNICO’s ethos, guests should plan for a dinner (or two) at the wonderfully authentic Yucatecan restaurant, Cueve Siete, which offers Aguachile de Camaron, Rib Eye with Hibiscus and Sal de Flor, and local specialty, Cerdo Pelón de Yucatan. 

For more casual cravings, there is a buffet style breakfast and relaxed beachside dining at Restaurant 20.87 which offers a wide variety of classic bistro style fare and the only place at the resort where you will find the (very Instagram friendly) UNICO 20°87° Ice Cream Cart. The tabletop-sized serving vessel arrives fully equipped with handles, wheels, and several favors of decadent ice creams – along with all of the necessary toppings, including: toasted nuts, sprinkles, and fresh berries. For guests on-the-go, the charming Café Inez serves small bites, pastries and coffee 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Guests also have the option of ordering á la carte as part of the in-room dining feature with operates using an app that allows guests to choose from a range of menu items and snack options, including the famous (and highly addictive) UNICO churros which arrive piping hot and served with dulce de leche, a perfect way to end (or start) the day. At UNICO 20º87º this summer, the possibilities for are endless.

To learn more about Superbia Summer 2019 visit UNICO 20º87º

Photos courtesy of UNICO 20º87º

This article originally published in Just Luxe magazine on May 22, 2019

By Quentin Smith

Majestically spread across 18 lush acres on a private peninsula overlooking Marechal Beach and Grand Cul-de-Sac, Rosewood Le Guanahani is one of St. Barth’s largest resorts. Despite its size, there is a distinct sense of relaxed luxury and seclusion that sets Rosewood Le Guanahani apart from the island’s other resort properties. Twenty minutes (and worlds) away from the buzzing cocktail bars, super yachts and designer boutiques of the Gustavia - St. Barth’s port and capital town - the newly remodeled and reopened Rosewood Le Guanahani has reclaimed its status as a supremely chic holiday enclave for the international jet set.

Designed with maximum relaxation in mind, the resort’s 66 perfectly arranged cottages and bungalows are enveloped by fragrant gardenia, stately coconut palms, colorful strands of bougainvillea. Each of the 29 rooms, 27 suites and 10 signature suites are painted in assorted shades of pastel colors and have private entrances - 20 of which feature private swimming pools. The interiors offer deliciously luxe bathrooms with sun-lit walk-in showers, fresh cut flowers, plush robes, slippers, and most importantly ample closet space. While hotel mini bars are rarely memorable, Rosewood Le Guanahani’s are worthy of a splurge. Designed to look like vintage steamer trunks, the room’s mini bar stores an array of gourmet nibbles and pre-mixed bottles of martini and negroni cocktails that come in handy when the sun starts to set.

Other design features include lofty white-washed wooden ceilings, plenty of windows for natural light, and gauzy curtains that open up to either views of the ocean, or abundantly verdant gardens. While the views may vary, every cottage shares the same exquisite decor and attention to detail: a soothing blend of neutral hues, natural linen, hardwood furnishings, rattan accents, French contemporary works of art, and nautical-inspired accents curated by designer Luis Pons - Our one-bedroom suite came fully equipped with a wide deck and private swimming pool set against an ocean backdrop overlooking both the ocean, the lagoon, and a rocky outcrop of islands in the distance. It is a setting that inspires the unique feeling of awe and zen that defines the Rosewood experience.

For guests in need of immersive wellness, Sense, A Rosewood Spa, offers one of the most comprehensive spa programs on the island. A sanctuary of simplicity and purity, complete with a koi pond, relaxation areas, boutique, and private adults-only pool, where guests are invited to surrender to an experience that is completely genuine and authentic. In keeping with Rosewood’s signature spa concept the new spa menu features time-honored practices and traditional healing methods which are modernized and paired with natural and sustainably sourced ingredients.

Equally impressive are the social areas and spaces of Rosewood Le Guanahani. Winding pathways flanked by fragrant flowers and shaded by arched palm trees lead down to the resort’s beachside infinity pool, two beaches, and the adjacent Beach House St. Barth - the social hub of the resort and the heart of Rosewood Le Guanahani’s culinary program. Each dining area, including the pool and sundeck, feature breathtaking ocean views, further connecting guests with the natural surroundings. Beach House - the airy and relaxed restaurant that feels more like a visit to your chicest friend’s island villa - is where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. Design enthusiasts will appreciate the beautifully appointed space with its vaulted ceilings, wide ocean view decks, and comfortable rattan furnishings. With beach and pool access just steps away, guests can relax here with food and drink options throughout the day. The service here is attentive and friendly, so guests always feel as if they are amongst friends.

The daytime menu at Beach House offers breakfast staples such as granolas, yogurts, fresh fruits and juices, french pastries, savory charcuterie, and made-to-order options like avocado toast, and perfectly-cooked French rolled omelets. For lunch, an array of Mediterranean-style dishes are available including tender grilled octopus, Burrata with melons and fresh herbs, hummus and baba ganoush, and island style ceviche. With its spectacular location directly on the beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Beach House takes on an entirely different energy when the sun begins to set. For dinner, a classic or barrel-aged aperitif cocktail at Bar Mélangé is followed by a robust menu of fresh caught lobster, pan seared foie gras with fresh berries, Caribbean Sea Bass baked in a pastry crust, and imported Wagyu beef filet with baby vegetables and herb sauce. If a nightcap is in order, simply head back over to Bar Mélangé and try one of the watering hole’s specialty libations. Not to be missed is the aptly named, Still Standing, an expertly crafted blend of Avion silver, kiwi, pineapple, and clarified coco.

For travelers looking for the quintessential St. Barth experience, Rosewood Le Guanahani provides the alluring combination of French sophistication, Caribbean hospitality, thoughtful design, and luxury amenities that can only be found at a Rosewood property. In keeping with the Rosewood brand’s impeccable standards, Le Guanahani offers a fresh take on the relaxed, yet refined lifestyle that personifies what makes a holiday in St. Barth special. For reservations and more information, contact Rosewood Le Guanahani.

Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth

Grand Cul-de-sac, 97133 St. Barthelemy, FWI

Phone: +590 590 52 90 00

By Quentin Smith

To celebrate one of Mexico’s most famous holidays, Día de Los Muertos, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, will welcome select guests to tour unforgettable Mexican villages and to experience the intimate and celebratory holiday firsthand. The three-night, four-day spiritual exploration of cultural traditions will take guests from the Sea of Cortez into the soulful Mexican inland. From Pátzcuaro and Tzintzuntzan to Morelia and the island of Janitzio. Hosted by Frederic Vidal, Las Ventanas’ Managing Director, the special Día de Los Muertos experience is designed to introduce guests to some of Mexico’s most historical and culturally significant towns best known for their Día de Los Muertos celebrations.

“As a resort that reflects on and supports its Mexican Heritage, there is no greater honor than being able to share the importance of Día de Los Muertos with our guests through what will be one of the most insightful and thought-provoking journeys that one can experience,” said Frederic Vidal, Managing Director of Las Ventanas. “We are thrilled to have created an experience involving Mexico’s hidden villages and we look forward to shepherding our guests through one-of-a-kind culinary, artistic and celebratory moments alongside the welcoming natives they will encounter.”

Though commonly associated with Halloween festivities, Día de Los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd and is a time for joyful and spiritual celebration. Family and friends come together to reflect upon life and pay their respects to those who have passed. As part of this tradition, home altars called ‘Ofrendas’ are built to serve favorite foods of the deceased and exchange gifts - such as candy sugar skulls. In 2008 the tradition was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The trip will begin in Morelia with a private drive to Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, a magical town situated along the beautiful landscapes of Lake Pátzcuaro and dating back more than 500 years. After checking into a hacienda, guests will be able to savor authentic Mexican cuisines and learn about indigenous traditions while visiting hidden gems of the city, many of which are rarely accessed by tourists.

On the second day, guests will venture to Tzintzuntzan which translates to “Place of Hummingbirds” and is a destination known for its holiday displays and twilight cemeteries. Located in the north of Michoacán, guests will enjoy exclusive access to the village’s renowned Día de Los Muertos celebrations, featuring local cuisines and the most authentic arts and crafts by artisans from the region. As the sun sets, the group will partake on a spectacular midnight sail into Janitzio, one of the five islands on Lake Pátzcuaro, to join local families as they pay respects to their deceased loved ones.

Finally, the third day begins with an expert-guided historical tour through one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, Morelia, where guests will learn about the architecture, museums, and local treasures, such as paintings, ceramics, mosaics, textiles and more. Anchored by a glowing cathedral, this historic city is one of Mexico’s 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. An intimate group dinner will mark the end of Day of the Dead celebrations.

For guests staying at the property during the holiday, Las Ventanas al Paraiso will also offer Día de Los Muertos celebrations at the resort - including hundreds of memorial votive candles, shrines, and costumed performing artists - creating a memorable Día de Los Muertos experience for all.

For more information about Las Ventanas al Paraíso and pricing details for the Día de Los Muertos experience, please visit rosewoodhotels.com

By Quentin Smith

Located on a leafy residential block Silver Lake, just a stone’s throw from the intersection of LA’s famed Santa Monica and Sunset Boulevards, Palisociety’s newest addition, the Silver Lake Pool & Inn is a bastion of relaxed luxury in the energetic Eastside enclave. Known for its buzzing restaurants, trendy boutiques and eclectic architecture, Silver Lake is a neighborhood that, until now, was long overdue for a hotel that lived up to the area’s elevated tastes and creative energy.

“The vision for this was to create the best neighborhood inn that we could,” says Palisociety co-founder Avi Brosh “A place that represents people in the community, and one that they can recommend and champion." This vision comes to life vividly courtesy of Venice Beach-based design and architectural studio Electric Bowery. What was once a 1980s motel is now a 54-room boutique hotel that perfectly embodies the perennially chic Mediterranean design diaspora, with a quintessentially LA swagger. The dreamy Southern California aesthetic comes together with a mix of handmade and vintage materials, alongside natural touches such as live plants in the rooms and suites. Moroccan and Italian tiles shimmer throughout the day in the sunlit rooms and custom terrazzo surfaces by Concrete Collaborative add a touch of the avant garde. Works by local artists — like photographer Laure Joliet — adorn the walls and lend a unique sense of place that make every room and suite feel like a perfectly appointed guest room at the glamorous LA abode of your most chic friend.

The main attraction is of course the hotel’s namesake, the pool. The rooftop pool and deck paved in natural flagstone is shielded by a golden-walled cactus garden and softened by terra cotta urns filled with lush cacti and statuesque succulents. Downstairs is where you will find the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Marco Polo Trattoria and Bar — which has recently reopened for outdoor dining and cocktails — offering all-day poolside service and serving up coastal Italian-inspired dishes on a tree-shaded patio, amidst hanging gardens and whimsical striped umbrellas.

The impossibly hip hotel, which opened in late 2019, is the newest addition to Palisociety’s roster of laidback-luxe properties, and is arguably one of its most welcoming gathering spots. In a town not exactly known for its walkability, the Silver Lake Pool & Inn is ideally located in the heart of one of the LA’s most pedestrian friendly and picturesque neighborhoods. With local restaurants, bars, boutiques closed due to Covid-19 related restrictions, one of the hotel’s best attributes is it’s residential location and proximity to some of LA’s “if you know you know” destinations, such as Silver Lake’s numerous hidden staircase paths, leafy hill-hugging lanes and iconic boulevards. Perfect for a social distanced morning or sunset stroll.

While newly implemented safety restrictions have certainly impacted guest experience, the hotel has gracefully succeeded at minimizing regulatory inconveniences. Management has seamlessly adapted the hotel to the new era of travel by leaning into a unique brand ethos of un-buttoned luxury. That being said, travelers considering a stay at the Silver Lake Pool and Inn can take comfort in knowing that the Palisociety group has implemented a number of safety protocols in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization’s statements regarding COVID-19 precautions. As occupancy permits, guest rooms are to remain unoccupied for a minimum of 24–72 hours prior to your arrival, allowing the EPA-approved disinfectants to sit for the required time. This protocol includes extra time during the housekeeping process to focus on all touch points, including light switches, fans, shade pulls, faucet handles, and your in-room tablet. While you should not expect to see the usual soft goods such as throw pillows and blankets in your room, the room will be disinfected and sanitized using touch-less Protexus electrostatic spraying system prior to your arrival. The system uses PURTABS that are EPA List approved products effective against COVID-19 in one minute — additional treatments are available throughout your stay upon request. One safety implementation that stood out to us during our visit is the required guest temperature check and UV technology at the front desk which allows for a heightened level of sanitization for guest and employee handled items. All hotel employees are required to practice proper and frequent hand-washing which is a simple act that goes a long way in ensuring a safe environment.

At the Silver Lake Pool and Inn, visible protocols are just the beginning. In the spaces where employees work behind the scenes, increased frequency of cleaning and focus on high-touch areas like employee entrances, locker rooms, laundry rooms and storage spaces are part of the program. Guests and employees of Silver Lake Pool and Inn are advised to practice physical distancing at all times by standing at least six feet away from other guests and employees. This extends to elevator occupancy and required face-coverings in all public areas of the hotel.

Of course the Silver Lake Pool and Inn is a luxury hotel and not a hospital, so guests will still be able to enjoy amenities such as a one-time use mini-bar menu in-room with artisanal mezcals, West Coast wines and an array of snacks. Mini-bar items are currently available to order at the Front Desk and will be delivered to guest rooms where they can be enjoyed there or poolside at one of the hotel’s many socially distanced lounge chairs and patio tables. While travel has changed, much of what we love about an overnight stay at luxe hotel has been preserved — and in some ways improved upon — by the team at the Silver Lake Pool and Inn, one of our new favorite places to unwind and experience the laid-back charms of summer in Los Angeles.

For more information and reservations at the Silver Lake Pool & Inn, visit palisociety.com. For the latest safety updates, and a daily inspiration follow @silverlakepoolandinn on Instagram.

Photos courtesy of @palisociety

By Quentin Smith

Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Yucatán Peninsula and nestled against the cerulean waters of the Mayan Riviera, Chablé Maroma is the sort of otherworldly wellness resort that leaves a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to discover it. A short ride from Cancun International Airport, a narrow gravel road off of the main highway transports arriving guests into the jungle and towards the powder white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast through a vibrant kaleidoscope of palm trees and mangroves. At the end of the road lies Chablé Maroma, a jungle-chic beachfront hideaway that harkens back to a time when this part of the world was still a well-kept secret. While it's safe to say the secret is out, Chablé Maroma offers a truly bohemian escape for travelers in need of a little barefoot luxury.

Seamlessly merging 5-star comforts and eco-authenticity, Chablé Maroma delivers peak luxury while simultaneously embracing its rustic natural environs. Cancun-based designer Paulina Moran, is the creative force behind the look and feel of Chablé Maroma's stylish interiors, including the majestic open-air lobby, which sets a relaxed yet elegant tone upon arrival. The design aesthetic of the property is reflective of Mayan culture and the natural beauty of the region. This is best experienced in the accommodations, which include presidential villas, standalone villas, and standard villas, all of which feature private plunge pools, outdoor living areas, and/or terraces. Moran accomplishes this through the use of local materials, including natural fibers, stone, and crafted pieces by local Mexican artisans. Textures are used throughout Chablé Maroma’s interior spaces to create a soothing aesthetic comprised of beautifully grained tropical hardwoods, generously cushioned fabrics and subtle pops of color that reflect the soothing hues of sand and sea. All of these elements are paired with the finest of amenities - including top-shelf personal care products, European bedding, and plush linens. Other luxurious design elements include outdoor rain showers, thatch palapa-style roofs, open air lounge areas and floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to rainforest inspired gardens. This juxtaposition of elements creates a mesmerizing indoor/outdoor flow that brings the beauty of the jungle inside, and allows guests to feel seamlessly connected to their natural surroundings.

As tempting as it would be to simply stay within the luxurious confines of your private villa, many of Chablé Maroma’s best features are just a short stroll away. Winding stone paths meander through lush beds of flora - which include palm trees, banana trees and native shrubbery - eventually opening up to an Instagram-worthy main pool. Distinguished by vintage-inspired serpentine patterned tiles in shades of blue, the pool lies between Chablé Maroma’s two main restaurants and parallel to the resort’s private 650 ft white sand beach. It is here where guests will find shaded hammocks alongside pairs of umbrellas and loungers, spaced for social distancing amidst wild coconut palm groves. Far from the more crowded shores of Cancun and Tulum, this is a place for ultimate relaxation. The fully serviced beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon in full relaxation mode, enjoying a hand-crafted margarita or refreshing coconut water. As the day turns to night, guests can look forward to a rooftop sundowner at Raw Bar by Bu’ul which offers a well-edited bar menu, exceptional cocktails - most notably, the signature Black Margarita. A charcoal-infused tequila libation garnished with fresh rosemary and pink peppercorns - and postcard-perfect views of the Caribbean Sea. Afterwards, guests can choose between a relaxed poolside meal at Kaban or a more formal dinner at Bu’ul, Chablé Maroma’s night time social hub and its culinary crown jewel.

Translating in English as the Mayan word for bean, Bu’ul offers contemporary cuisine from southern and central Mexico along with wines from the resort’s vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe and its signature Oaxacan tequilas. Helmed by Chef Jorge Vallejo - of the renowned Mexico City restaurant Quintonil - Bu’ul showcases Vallejo's skillful interpretations of regional traditional recipes with unique dishes, including roasted octopus and caviar with leek and salmon roe sauce, Fresh fish prepared “barbacoa” style with grasshopper adobo and nixtamalized beans, Durango beef with eggplant and grilled pico de gallo, and the exceptionally delicious cheese flan with Cajeta chocolate, mango and avocado. Memorable dishes that embody the refined techniques of Mexican fine dining and offer guests the opportunity to take a special culinary journey at every meal.

Of course a visit to Chablé Maroma would not be complete without a visit to the resort’s world-renowned spa. Deeply rooted in Mayan wellness rituals, the 17,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor wellness mecca is a world of its own. Guests will experience renewal and restoration of mind body and spirit through the Chablé Maroma Spa program. This unique wellness program celebrates life and life-giving practices that are rooted in expressions of movement found throughout the natural world. Inspired by the ocean as a source of life and transformation. Concepts of spiritual release, cleansing, and purification are emphasized in the treatments which include massage, sound therapy, hydrotherapy and a temezcal “steam house” ritual. This ritual is unique to the Yucatán region and is based on one of the oldest forms of medicine where the physical, mental and spiritual realms come together. For guests seeking a more traditional spa day, the facility offers private spa suites, double cabins for couples treatments, and outdoor hot and cold hydrotherapy pools - including an expansive outdoor stone therapy pool inlaid with petrified wood and surrounded by palm trees.

Chablé Maroma is a fresh take on luxury wellness travel that offers more than indulgence. The Chablé Maroma experience is an all-encompassing sensory journey wherein mind, body and spirit come together to restore and inspire.

For more information on Chablé Maroma and other Clablé hotels, please visit chablehotels.com

This article originally published in collaboration with JustLuxe magazine on February 1, 2021

By Quentin Smith

Towering majestically over Avenue Montagine in the heart of the 8th arrondissement of Paris, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has a rich history rooted in the worlds of art and design. Following successive design and fashion weeks, Paris has once again reinforced its long-standing distinction as the ultimate destination for global aesthetes. Many of whom have once again turned their discerning eye towards Hôtel Plaza Athénée, the perennially elegant Parisian hotel that has recently re-emerged as a bastion of contemporary French design.

Designed in 1913 by esteemed architect Charles Lefebvre, Hôtel Plaza Athénée was created in the distinctive Parisian Haussmann style of architecture. With a classic cut-stone façade decorated with fanciful wrought-iron balconies shaded by bright red awnings, and shielded by the signature hanging red geranium vines, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most recognizable buildings in Paris. Its traditional façade however is the face of a richly layered interior that represents a new era of French design innovation. Hôtel Plaza Athénée has unveiled an exciting collection of newly revamped rooms and suites designed by the venerable Parisian design duo Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille. The redesigned spaces bring an art world-inspired contemporary chic to the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a legendary palace hotel with long-standing traditions and a quintessentially French brand of elegance.

Like the city of Paris itself, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is unique and eclectic. This is reflected throughout the hotel’s design. Up to the sixth floor the rooms and suites are decidedly classic Parisian in grandeur and style. On the seventh floor however, the mood transitions into something more intimately sleek and modern, inspired by the dreamy glamour of the Art Deco style. Restored and reimagined by Paris-born designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille, the new design of the seventh floor rooms and suites reflect the best of both old and new French design. Given its rich and established history, an homage to the past would have been understandable, if not expected. Instead however, Moinard and Bétaille have taken great care to respect the aesthetic traditions that have made Hôtel Plaza Athénée so beloved for generations. “When we started on the project, we would go there every day to really understand the property.” says Bruno Moinard of the duo’s design process. “It soon became clear what a unique place it is with a strong identity. By appreciating what made it special, we decided our mission would be to change everything without appearing to change anything.”

The seventh floor suites have retained many traditional distinctions including the signature red awnings and geranium laced balconies. The interiors however are a world unto themselves with angular shapes, soft fabrics, accents of stone and leather, and of course, touches of the hotel’s signature Plaza red. Subtle design details, plenty of space, and an abundance of natural daylight creates movement and an element of whimsy in the spaces through the use of pleated linen screens, mirrors, and asymmetrical patterns.

While most luxury hotel suites manage to check all of the boxes, the seventh floor suites at Hôtel Plaza Athénée have a distinct feeling of being a home away from home. Moinard and Bétaille took an personal approach to the redesign of the property with each space created with a specific intention in mind. “We were given the Art Deco theme and chose to create a renewed and audacious vision of this era.” says the duo of the inspiration behind their design. “Many of these rooms and suites are located right under the roof so the size and shape of these spaces distinguishes them from the classic, high-ceilinged lower floors. The skylights and small balconies offer the spirit of a sophisticated Parisian pied à terre, with stylish custom-made furniture creating a wonderfully homely feel.” The classic Hausmann façade flows seamlessly into the redesigned interior spaces, where Moinard and Bétaille have balanced progress and preservation by referencing elements of the hotel’s storied history with modern design influences. The result is a collection of spaces that embrace Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s rich past, while setting the tone for its future.

While it might be tempting to luxuriate in the comforts of your suite for the duration of your stay at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, this is a hotel that is meant to be explored. A main draw for both guests and locals alike is La Galerie, a chic and expertly designed space located at the heart of the hotel. Here you can expect to find a fashionable crowd throughout the day enjoying small bites, afternoon tea, or evening cocktails, under the gentle sounds of harps and soft conversation. Also recently renovated by Bruno Moinard, the designer has created a link between this sophisticated space and the elegant courtyard beyond the window. Part of the appeal of La Galerie is the blend of light and ornament which brings an element of life to the grand space and creates the sensation of sunshine playing across the elegant furniture and mosaic floor.

Just down the hall is Le Relais Plaza, Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s legendary Art Deco restaurant, and masterfully executed take on the classic Parisian brasserie in a space that represents Paris style at its most refined. All of which is served up with a dose of modern grandeur inspired by the first-class dining hall of the SS Normandie, one of the greatest ocean liners of its day. Since its grand opening on December 30, 1936, Le Relais Plaza has been a haven for generations of fashion designers, models, politicians, socialites, actors, and world-famous musicians (who often can’t resist a turn at the grand piano). Today, it remains the ultimate Avenue Montaigne address and an iconic landmark for architecture and design enthusiasts. Another fact of note is that Le Relais Plaza is one of the city’s last remaining Art Deco dining rooms, and the spirit of the era lives on through its design. Upon entering one can’t help but admire Diane Chasseresse’s original frescoes on sculpted walls that give way to an elegant ceiling; which during the day, is illuminated by natural sunlight from zodiac stained glass and by night by a spectacular Lalique chandelier. If that doesn't catch your attention, the signature cocktails, spirited conversation, and beautifully plated dishes created by culinary superstar, Chef Jean Imbert certainly will. Voted Chef of the Year 2019 by GQ and one of the 50 Most Influential French People by Vanity Fair, Imbert’s accolades only hint at the excellence of the menu he has created for Le Plaza Relais. A passion for simple yet authentic French cuisine is reflected in signature dishes such as Foie Gras Terrine & Porto Jelly, Grilled Sweetbread & Chanterelle Mushrooms with Amber-Yellow Wine, and the not-to-be-missed (and highly Instagramable) Relais Lobster Salad.

With a reference to the past and an eye towards the future that is reflected in reimagined spaces and guest experiences, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée offers the world a new idea of Parisian chic. All while simultaneously retaining its distinction as a landmark of traditional French elegance designed for the look and feel of luxury travel in a new era.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée

25 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 53 67 66 65

By Quentin Smith

Signaling an exciting new era of Parisian chic, the iconic Hotel Lutetia has reopened its doors with an artfully neoteric design and a renewed spirit to match. Recently taken over by Set Hotels—a group known for the exquisite revamps of multiple landmark European properties, Hotel Lutetia has once again reasserted itself as the crown jewel of Saint-Germain-des-Prés; an unofficial distinction it has held since its original opening in 1910. Towering majestically over the heart of the 7th arrondissement at the corner of Boulevard Raspail and Rue de Sévres, Hotel Lutetia’s mythical lore and legendary pedigree is exceptional. In its early days, the hotel was the gathering spot of choice for luminaries from the worlds of literature, art, fashion and politics. French President Charles de Gaulle, James Joyce, Albert Camus were among the regulars, while Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Josephine Baker (after whom the hotel’s elegant and lively bar is named) each lived at the property during various points throughout the hotel’s early years.

Redesigned by Paris-born architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the new Hotel Lutetia has retained many of its charming distinctions. Most notable of which is the hotel’s grand ocean liner-inspired silhouette, abundantly cloaked in fanciful carved floral motifs and graceful wrought-iron balconies. “The building has such a strong personality, but it really needed to be refreshed,” says Wilmotte of Hotel Lutetia’s evolution. Given its rich and established history, a heavy-handed homage to the past would have been understandable, if not expected. Instead, however, Wilmotte and his team have taken a curatorial approach to the redesign of the property. The classic Art Nouveau façade now flows seamlessly into its newly redesigned interior, where Wilmotte has balanced deference to the hotel’s heritage by pairing key elements of the original architecture with modern design influences. Artfully navigating the sometimes tricky terrain of innovation and preservation, Wilmotte has succeeded in creating a new home for Hotel Lutetia that is uniquely equipped to simultaneously embrace both its rich past and exciting future.

An unearthed original fresco of soft pinks and green garlands now adorns the ceiling and welcomes guests at the hotel’s entrance. Painted in 1910 by Adrien Karbowsky the fresco was meticulously restored by Stéphanie and Cyril de Ricou, who discovered the masterpiece under a century of time and patina. A reported 17,000 hours and 7 layers of paint later, the original fresco has now been returned to its original splendor. It exists not only as a thing of exceptional beauty but also a poignant reminder of the hotel’s remarkable and layered historical significance.

Bold design choices and nuanced attention to detail strike a near-perfect balance of relaxed informality and old-world refinement that is evident throughout the property. The expansive and inviting lobby is minimally decorated, yet full of life with multiple communal spaces teeming with social activity throughout the day. Perhaps the lobby’s most buzzed about feature is the multi-colored, glass ceiling of the Le Saint-Germain Restaurant in the hotel’s parlor. Illuminated by natural sunlight, local artist, Fabrice Hyber’s brightly colored stained glass is a menagerie of emblematic characters—think Santa Claus and the Michelin Man—and the jewel-hued centerpiece of the hotel. 

Just across the hall is Bar Josephine, an iconic landmark of Belle Époque Paris, where again, your eyes will be drawn up the sculpted walls and towards the towering frescoed ceiling; which during the day, is illuminated by natural sunlight from large nautical porthole windows overhead. If that doesn't catch your attention, the well-heeled and wonderfully chic Left Bank locals who gather after work for exquisitely prepared cocktails and spirited conversation, make for epic people watching. Add nightly live music to the mix and you now have the perfect place to enjoy a memorable evening in a space that embodies classic Parisian style, served up with modern grandeur.

Though the original rooms and suites of the hotel were partially gutted and fully reconfigured, the Lutetia’s original spirit lives on through various architectural and design elements. New bedroom chairs draw inspiration from original Art Deco pieces, with Art Deco-inspired mirror and wood-paneled hallways leading to expansive rooms and suites that could easily be mistaken for a fashionable Left Bank pied-à-terre. Designed for 21st-century living, multiple spaces allow for maximum comfort and privacy, with separate sleeping, lounging and dressing areas in the larger suites. Many of the exterior facing rooms have been designed to take advantage of postcard views of Le Bon Marché and the Eiffel Tower from the balconies.

It is the bathrooms, however, that take center stage, with soaring ceilings and an oversized bathtub carved out of a single solid rectangle of Carrera marble. Be sure to request one of the suites outfitted with floor-to-ceiling French doors leading onto a private balcony. The decadence of which must be experienced to be understood––and of course photographed, for a most envy-inducing Instagram moment. As if that weren’t opulent enough, Hermès personal care products and plush french linens bring the life of luxury full circle.

With a respectful nod to the past and a progressive eye toward the future, the new Hotel Lutetia has succeeded in redefining Parisian chic and reestablishing itself as not only an iconic Left Bank landmark, but a new Parisian social axis and contemporary hotel designed for life and luxury travel in the 21st century.

Hotel Lutetia, 45 Boulevard Raspail, Paris, FR

Tel: 01 49 54 46 00 

www.hotellutetia.com

By Chloe Pontbriand

Located just off the Champs-Élysées, Le Chiberta is the brain child of acclaimed French chef Guy Savoy. Designed to be a slightly more budget friendly alternative to some of Savoy’s more pricier restaurants, Le Chiberta has every bit of the panache and sophistication for which the Guy Savoy brand has become renowned. Housed inside of a Haussmann building, Le Chiberta is a contemporary and thoroughly modern space designed by renowned Paris architect, Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The cool and sleek decor sets the stage for a culinary experience that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Black walls, glass wine cellars, and large abstract paintings by Bertrand Lavier and Gérard Traquandi serve as the backdrop for white-clothed tables adorned with little more than the simple steel colored salt and pepper set. A perfect blank canvas for the work of chef Stéphane Laruelle, which demands center stage.

Unarguably one of the world’s greatest chefs, Guy Savoy’s delicate cuisine has come to be known for its balance of inventiveness and focus. That being said, it comes as no surprise that for Le Chiberta, Savoy has entrusted his protege, chef Stéphane Laruelle, to lead the culinary program of his Champs-Élysées outpost. With a resume that includes the kitchens of Faugeron, Le Crillon and Le Grand Véfour as commis de cuisine, chef Stéphane Laruelle is a master of his craft and the heart of Le Chiberta. As head chef of Le Chiberta since 2007, Laruelle has set a new standard for the Paris culinary scene and continues to win acclaim from not only his many loyal customers but also from the Michelin Guide, which bestowed a highly coveted star upon the restaurant. As a right hand to Guy Savoy himself, Laruelle has ensured that the Savoy touch is evident throughout the Le Chiberta experience. “The spirit of Guy Savoy persists in all my work,” says Laruelle “but adapted to suit the unique style of our particular restaurant.”

We had the opportunity to visit Le Chiberta and experience its culinary charms first hand. With chef Stéphane Laruelle and his brigade at the helm, we opted for a dinner tasting menu which began with a glass of Guy Savoy’s very own Blanc de Blancs and two oysters David Hervé served with aromatic jelly and seaweed granita. This was served alongside marbled duck foie gras with red wine and sweet spices and paired with a 2012 Maury Mas Amiel Vintage Réserve port. With a nose of blackberries and mild spicy notes, with a hint of blood orange citrus, this wine was an exquisite complement to the savory duck and sweet spices of the foie gras. This eclectic and flavorful start was the perfect introduction to the Le Chiberta culinary style and the perfect palate primer for the main course; glazed sweetbreads with chanterelle mushrooms, pak choï cabbage and carrots. This course was expertly paired with a 2010 Medoc by Chateau Castera. The continued notes of blackberry with layers of rose and juniper on the entry with a touch of balsamic paired nicely with the sharpness of the chanterelles and brought out the subtle flavors of the glazed sweetbreads. Rounding out the meal was a palate-refreshing desert of grapefruit and orange flavored with Earl Grey tea. 

Dining at Le Chiberta is a sensory journey where both the setting and service join forces to celebrate French culinary tradition and innovation in a delicate balance of relaxed and refined. Other restaurants helmed by Guy Savoy include Monnaie de Paris, Les Bouquinistes, Atelier Maître Albert, Goût de Brioche bakery and of course, his United States flagship restaurant, Guy Savoy Las Vegas.

Le Chiberta

3 Rue Arsène Houssaye, 75008 Paris, France +33 01 53 53 42 00

Excerpts from this article were originally published in JustLuxe magazine on December 20, 2018

Photos: Guy Savoy Restaurants

By Quentin Smith

If you check into  the new Kimpton La Peer Hotel and think to yourself, “wow, I could see myself living here…” then the hotel is doing exactly what it was designed to do. Since opening earlier this year, the 105-room West Hollywood hotel has encouraged its guests to feel right at home— that is of course, if your idea of home is an elegant Art Deco inspired space filled with the works of leading designers and site-specific artworks by some of Los Angeles’ most innovative and influential artists. 

Located on a narrow tree-lined street nestled between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue, the La Peer is one of the only hotels within West Hollywood's vibrant design district—home to such design world luminaries as Walker Zanger, Commune, and Kelly Wearstler. "We want to become an anchor of the Design District” says general manager Nick Rimedio, “where visitors and residents alike experience the sense of an oasis, a haven that feels like home." the work of LA-based interior designer Gulla Jónsdóttir, La Peer’s interiors pay homage to the hotel’s design district environs and the eclectic architectural styles of some of LA’s most historic buildings—many of which are sprinkled throughout the surrounding residential neighborhood. "It draws on some wonderful veins of architecture that were present in California in the 1920s and 1930s," says the building's architect, Elizabeth Moule, of Pasadena-based Moule & Polyzoides. "There are a lot beautiful courtyard and middle-density buildings in Hollywood. It's a long tradition we wanted to continue." 

The stylish hotel, which opened earlier this year is one of the newest additions to Kimpton Hotel  Group’s international roster of luxury properties. In a city not exactly known for being pedestrian friendly, the La Peer is ideally located at the center of one of the LA’s most walkable and picturesque neighborhoods. Restaurants, bars, world-class shopping, and numerous cultural attractions are within steps of the property making getting around a breeze for guests opting to forego renting a car while in town. That being said, if you decided to never leave the hotel nobody would fault you. "We wanted it to be a very concentrated and immersive experience. We wanted people to know when they wake up in the morning that they are in L.A." says Jónsdóttir when describing the La Peer. The hotel achieves this by evoking a quintessentially Californian un-buttoned glamour, a modern take on old Hollywood style. 

The design palette of the La Peer is a mix of earth tones, natural materials, and organic shapes—think stone surfaces and leather bricks—interspersed with metallic bronze columns, molten mirror tables and jewel-toned pops of color throughout the airy and sun-drenched spaces. Custom-made furniture and fixtures, large-scale Richard Serra-esque sculptures and contemporary art installations—including an elevator design by Kahori Maki and a courtyard installation by graffiti artist Retna and artist Guerin Swing—round out the hotel’s design ethos, giving the La Peer an unmistakable air of California cool and a unique sense of place. The attention to design detail extends into the La Peer’s rooms and suites. White oak herringbone wood floors, free-standing tubs, vignette living room spaces, high ceilings and quirky touches—like metallic gold Jeff Koons balloon rabbits on the bedside tables—are found in every room and suite. Guests staying in the penthouse suite are treated to a wall-to-wall patio and Gulla Jónsdóttir’s own furniture collection Heimaland, which can also be seen and purchased at the designer’s storefront gallery located on the ground floor of the hotel. 

In keeping with LA’s embrace of the outdoors as living space, one of the La Peer’s signature features is its spacious lobby bar which sits just beyond expansive walls of glass that open from the lobby to a pool area. The inviting outdoor bar and lounge areas sit on a canopied patio shaded by swaths of contrasting hued fabric and T&J Vestor Bubble Gold pendant lights. Flanked on one side by the hotel pool and the soon-to-be iconic collaborative graffiti mural between Guerin Swing and Retna on the other. The courtyard lobby bar is truly one of a kind and the perfect place to wile away an afternoon. It’s easy breezy atmosphere and central location within the design district have made the La Peer bar the coolest go-to watering hole for many of the neighborhoods design professionals and resident neighbors in need of a mid-day glass of wine or a signature cocktail like the Amaro Abano, expertly crafted by La Peer’s resident mixologist Spencer Young who skillfully uses the bar’s extensive menu of spirits to craft unique and memorable libations.

Should cocktail hour extend into dinner time, the La Peer’s standalone restaurant Viale dei Romani just so happens to be West Hollywood’s newest foodie hotspot. The restaurant by famed chef Casey Lane features a coastal Italian menu that deftly incorporates a range of Mediterranean influences from North Africa alongside more familiar flavors and ingredients from France and Spain. In addition to lunchtime staples such as innovative pastas, pizzas and farm-to-table salads, Viale dei Romani truly shines with with special dishes such as white truffle tagliatelle, wood roasted chicken with clementine tagine, and a melt-in-your-mouth 3 lemon branzino with fennel and marcona almonds. There is also a full bar inside of the restaurant and menu service for La Peer’s courtyard bar area. Not to be outdone by the the hotel itself, the elegant interiors of Viale dei Romani—designed by Parts and Labor Design—evoke the feeling of a contemporary European café, with midnight blue and butterscotch yellow velvet banquettes, brass fittings, carrara marble surfaces, and dark hardwood accents. All of these design elements come together to create a vibrant dining space that is aesthetically elevated, yet cozy enough to stand-in as a relaxed neighborhood bistro. 

From its jaw-dropping design to its perfect paint-the-town location, right down to every carefully considered detail in between, the La Peer is a destination hotel that checks all the boxes and should be a first choice for every traveling aesthete. "I wanted the hotel to feel like a home in the Hollywood Hills," says Jónsdóttir. La Peer Hotel, consider your mission accomplished. 

Kimpton La Peer Hotel

627 N. La Peer Drive, West Hollywood, CA

By Quentin Smith

Long regarded as the epicenter of all things chic, the Italian fashion capital of Milan has also given rise to some of the world’s most important aesthetic movements in architecture and design. Nowhere is the confluence of these creative worlds more evident than in the artistry of Milan-born artist and designer, Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988). With an inimitable body of work spanning the worlds of decorative art, architecture, and interior design, the influence of Fornasetti’s style is emblematic of a particular brand of Milanese chic that has influenced fashion and interior designs around the world. Perfectly timed for Milan Fashion Week, Fornasetti and Mandarin Oriental Milan have joined forces for an exciting and new kind of collaboration that brings the worlds of hospitality and design together under one particularly elegant roof. Aesthetes of all persuasions heading to Milan can now step into the world of Fornasetti—and stay for awhile—with the recently launched Fornasetti Designer Experience at the Mandarin Oriental Milan.

A perfect interpreter of Fornasetti’s enduring ethos, the Mandarin Oriental Milan seamlessly blends traditional Milanese design with contemporary elements of luxury and careful attention to detail. Occupying four elegant 18th century buildings steps away from La Scala, the Fornasetti experience finds its home in one of the Mandarin Oriental’s expansive townhouse-like suites. It is here that the experience truly begins. The palatial Fornasetti Suite has been exquisitely decorated and designed to showcase both original works by Piero Fornasetti himself and more recent works designed by the Fornasetti creative team and Piero’s son, Barnaba Fornasetti—who as Fornasetti’s current artistic director, has re-imagined the brand for a new generation of Fornasetti fans. 

"It's a unique experience—the one and only Fornasetti suite in the world” says Roberta Amaro, assistant public relations manager for Mandarin Oriental Milan. The word “unique” only begins to describe the Fornasetti Suite. The whimsical and surrealist space is truly one of-a-kind, an exclusive and extraordinary sensory delight for lovers of 20th century design, who will immediately recognize some of Fornasetti’s most iconic works; including sculptural furniture pieces, wall coverings, and decorative art. Not to be confused with a look-but-don’t-touch exhibition space, the Fornasetti Suite is designed to be experienced immersively—the entire multi-room dwelling is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest extent possible and comes complete with all of the modernities and luxurious creature comforts one would expect from the Mandarin Oriental. The suite features soaring ceilings, concealed LED mirror televisions, floor-to-ceiling windows, freestanding soaking tubs and locally produced personal care products by Dr. Vranjes fragrances.

As tempting as it would be to never leave the opulence of your suite, the Fornasetti experience doesn’t stop there. No trip to Milan would be complete without an Italian meal. In addition to a daily full breakfast, guests can look forward to a wine-paired, three-course lunch at Seta. Mandarin Oriental Milan’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by renowned Chef Antonio Guida. Located in the hotel’s courtyard and spread across two dining rooms, the restaurant is quintessential Milan at its most refined. The scene is set with minimal decor punctuated with flashes of jewel tones and warm hues throughout. If weather allows, a seat in the courtyard offers a fun peek at the Guida and his team making magic in the kitchen through windows facing the dining area. There are touches of Fornasetti’s vision sprinkled throughout the space, most notably with signature Fornasetti dinner plates. Seta’s dinner plates proudly feature the enigmatic face one of Fornasetti’s muses, Lina Cavalieri, the 19th century Italian opera singer. As beautiful as the tableware is, in Italy, what’s served on them is just as important. Guida’s menu is comprised of classic Italian dishes inspired by his extensive travels and Mediterranean roots, with Tuscan and French influences evident throughout each one of Guida’s inventive culinary creations. Expert wine parings by Seta’s well-versed sommelier add a welcome punctuation to a truly memorable meal that is sure to leave you both satiated and inspired. 

One cannot fully experience the fantastical world of Fornasetti without a peek into the mind of the man himself. Access is granted with a private, after-hours tour of the nearby Fornasetti flagship store led by a Fornasetti specialist. More treasure trove than retail store, the Fornasetti shop is curatorial in its nature and houses not only Fornasetti’s current collections but also museum-quality vintage pieces designed by Piero Fornasetti and works that remain part of the brand's archive. Artistic director, Barnaba Fornasetti calls the program "a unique portal into the world of Fornasetti, through a privileged experience that is immersive and multi-sensory in nature." This is no exaggeration. Spread across multiple floors, each room showcases a different artistic expression of the designer's esoteric decorative style and broad aesthetic vocabulary. The tour will guide you through the multi-layered creative process of the mastermind designer by way of anecdotes and insider secrets that give context to Fornasetti’s wide range of materials, disciplines, motifs and historical references. This is underscored by a endless variety of furnishings, housewares and decorative goods, ranging from desks to dishes, tables to chairs, and even unexpected objects such as cushions, candles, and umbrella stands. Fornasetti’s wit and sense of humor is woven throughout each of his designs, making them other-worldly and fun.

Last but certainly not least, the experience wraps up with something quite special, an exclusive and limited edition Fornasetti plate that is your gift to keep—a meaningful way to bring a bit of Fornasetti’s world into your own. This bespoke porcelain plate features a unique hand-painted gold depiction of the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II—Milan’s iconic shopping arcade. A design that was first introduced in 1979 and revived this year by the Fornasetti creative team to celebrate the Fornasetti Suite and pay tribute to Mandarin Oriental Milan’s close ties to Milanese design. The Fornasetti Designer Experience succeeds in leaving guests with not only an expanded understanding of the man himself, but with new insight and an informed perspective on how Piero Fornasetti’s beloved city of Milan shaped his work, and how his rich legacy continues to shape the design identity of Milan.

The Fornasetti Designer Experience at Mandarin Oriental Milan is priced from €6,500 per night, with a minimum two-night stay, and is available through December 31, 2018. 

Mandarin Oriental Milan, Via Andegari 9. Tel: +39 2 8731 8888 www.mandarinoriental.com/milan

Fornasetti, Corso Venezia 21A (cnr Via Senato) 20121. Tel: +39 2 8416 1374 www.fornasetti.com

This article originally published in JustLuxe magazine on September 11, 2018

By Quentin Smith

With all things health and wellness trending for many travelers, it is no surprise that some of the world’s leading hotels have responded to this trend accordingly. While many 5-star hotels provide the obligatory spa and gym combination, an elite group of luxury hotels and resorts have taken a far more holistic approach to wellness. They have done so by centering concepts of mental and physical health within the ethos of their brand identity. One new property setting the standard for integrated wellness is Nobu Hotel Miami Beach. 

The recently opened, 206 room, beachfront resort is the brainchild of legendary Japanese Chef and visionary, Nobu Matsuhisa. With an eye for design that is as refined as his palate, Matsuhisa - in partnership with Academy Award-winning actor Robert DeNiro - has expanded the Nobu mark of excellence beyond his famous eponymously named restaurants and into the world of hospitality. Nobu Hotels make up a collection of sleek, design-focused properties around the world that are anchored of course by Nobu restaurants, but driven by Matsuhisa’s passion for wellness and zen focused design traditions. Holistic wellness is key to the Nobu Hotel Miami Beach experience. By indulging the mind and empowering guests to connect with their innermost selves, every facet of the hotel inspires renewal.

Much like their first hotel, which opened in 2013 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach follows Nobu’s signature hotel-within-a-hotel concept, this collaborative approach to hospitality development has allowed Matsuhisa to perfect the marks of distinction that are singularly Nobu. In Miami, the brand’s third outpost, the hotel finds itself at home inside of the famed art deco landmark resort, Eden Roc. Occupying the original Eden Roc tower designed by Morris Lapidus in 1956, the Nobu hotel perfectly pairs Eden Roc's iconic Art Deco revival architecture with Matsuhisa’s refreshingly feel-good, yet contemporary and minimalist aesthetic. Throughout the property, hotel architect David Rockwell, of the Rockwell Group, has expertly incorporated tenets of Japanese architecture and the traditions of zen design. 

The entire hotel, including its spacious 203 rooms, three penthouse suites, zen suites, guest-only rooftop curvilinear pool, and art collection curated by Peter Brant of The Brant Foundation, all draw inspiration from textures and forms found in nature. Subtle details point to Japanese-inspired aesthetics. Subtle tones and natural hues are brought to life with luxurious touches such as silk screened cherry blossom accent walls, natural wood platform-style beds flanked with translucent paper lanterns. Natural materials such as stone, wood, and woven grass wallpaper complete the overall design, and details such as yoga mats in every suite, create a sense of balance which is central to the ethos of Nobu hotels. The hotel's spectacular oceanfront location serves as the main the inspiration behind Rockwell’s vision of a contemporary Japanese beach house; at peace with its surroundings, yet worlds away from them. Guests of Nobu Hotel Miami experience a true sense of serenity and calm in a city known for anything but. 

When designing each of the rooms, Matsuhisa worked alongside Rockwell to ensure that the spaces would give guests an immediate sense of place and peace. This feeling extends beyond design and into the daily activities of your stay. Guests of Nobu Hotel have exclusive access to special perks, including room service by Nobu, access to the private adults-only Nobu pool, Natura Bissé bath products and special spa services at Esencia Wellness - the hotel’s on-site spa.

Nobu Hotel offers other amenities such as rooftop yoga instruction, ocean view aerobic classes, steam rooms, plunge pools, and a state-of-the-art crossfit friendly gym over looking the pool and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic ocean just beyond. It is the hotel’s relaxation room however that truly steals the show. Post-workout or spa session guests can head over to a spacious and luxurious, plant-filled, private room where the only task that awaits is to do absolutely nothing, except lounge by the whitewashed fireplace with a good book and a cup of herbal tea or infused water, while taking in views of the pool area with glimpses of the ocean.

The special combination of zen-focused design, South Beach glamour, and wellness-related amenities is an winning combination, and in Miami, there is no other place that brings it all together quite like Nobu Hotel Miami Beach.

Nobu Hotel Miami, 4525 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Tel: +1.305.250.2204

www.nobuhotelmiamibeach.com

This article originally published in JustLuxe magazine on June 12, 2018

By Quentin Smith

Since opening in December of 2013, Restaurant David Toutain has remained one of the most innovative and talked about restaurants to establish itself on the highly competitive Paris dining scene. Tucked away behind a minimal and unassuming storefront in the 7th arrondissement is chef David Toutain’s eponymously named restaurant. More culinary lab than bistrot, Restaurant David Toutain is atypical of most traditional Parisian eateries. 

Anchored by a convivial, dual-level dining space filled with natural light and calming organic shapes, the restaurant invites diners to abandon all forms and pretense and allow focus to be placed on the food. Architecture devoid of extraneous ornament sets the stage for an earthy and warm interior anchored by a large live edge walnut slab table surrounded by a few smaller more intimate tabletops. These aesthetic considerations give the restaurant a casual feel that only serves to enhance the communal nature of the David Toutain experience. According to Toutain “It is very important that a guest feels relaxed and it’s very important to me that people are happy and feel comfortable once seated at the table to enjoy their experience. When you are at the table for two or three hours you need to feel that way.”

Whether you opt for the lunch or dinner service, a meal at David Toutain feels less like formal Parisian dining and more like a relaxed gathering in the home of a good friend–a good friend who just so happens to have earned a highly coveted Michelin star. As a downtempo electro and rhythmic playlist wafts in the background, lunch is served by way of pre-fixed menus with names such as Poppy, Pansy and our personal favorite, Queen of the Meadows. Opt for whichever one rolls off the tongue (pun intended), and prepare yourself for a series of culinary creations, pairings and presentations as memorable and unique as the menu names themselves. Each dish is artfully conceived and curated by David Toutain and is a reflective of his broad scope of experience and international influences, including training with chefs Alain Passard at L’Arpege, Marc Veyrat at La Maison du Bois, Pierre Gagnaire and Bernard Pacaud at L’Ambroisie.

The result is avant-garde cuisine that elevates and redefines expectations of French culinary  traditions. “I like to tell my guests to focus on what we are doing.” says Toutain. “When we work on a new plate we put our thoughts and emotions into it.” This is evident in the way that local and seasonal ingredients are used in creative and inventive ways. Dishes such as a wildflower topped beetroot tartlet amuse bouche prep the palate for other seasonal delicacies like salsify root with a sweetened parsnip mousse, crispy sea urchin with onion and roasted brussels sprouts with pine needle purée. Expect your servers to introduce exquisite pairings throughout the experience. One such example is the cod with lemongrass and citrus which is expertly paired with an aromatic and floral Cote du Jura chardonnay from Domaine des Marnes Blanches. This is followed up by the crown jewel of the tasting, a single roasted scallop served on the half-shell served. 

Like any artist with understanding of context and notes, Toutain deftly transitions between tastes and textures and brings the meal to a delicate finish with a savory and sweet smoked eel paired with black sesame and green apple followed by crispy chocolate with bergamot and cardamom. Restaurant David Toutain does more than just prepare food. Toutain and his team have created an all-encompassing culinary journey that  truly inspires all who are fortunate enough to experience it, one dish at a time.

Restaurant David Toutain

29 Rue Surcouf, 75007 Paris

+33 01 45 50 11 10

This article was originally published in JustLuxe magazine on December 21, 2018

Photos: Wknder

By Quentin Smith

When traveling abroad there’s something to be said for choosing a hotel that feels like a home away from home. Located in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, Hotel Splendide Royal is a small boutique that prides itself on being just that. Discreetly tucked away on a quiet street in between the Élysée Palace and Avenue des Champs-Élysée, Hotel Splendide Royal’s prime location makes it the perfect Parisian hideaway. With designer flagships and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré just steps away Hotel Splendide Royal’s prime location makes it ideal for engaging in the most Parisian of pastimes, shopping! With Hermes, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Cartier as neighbors, even the most seasoned of fashionistas will find their fix just footsteps away. Architecture enthusiasts and first-time visitors to Paris will enjoy hotel’s proximity to the most recognizable historic landmarks of the Right Bank such as the Grand Palais and the Tuileries Gardens, all of which are reachable by foot in less than fifteen minutes.

Housed in a 19th-century townhouse and comprised of 12 spacious suites spread across 6 floors, Hotel Splendide Royal offers guests the opportunity to experience a version of Parisian townhouse living at its most refined and luxurious. This “family home” located one of the most exclusive streets in Paris was designed to offer visitors to Paris an atmosphere of elegance and refinement without the trappings of pretension. An emerald green façade distinguishes  Hotel Splendide Royal from its residential neighbors. Discretely marked only by a pair of stately topiaries, the entrance to Splendide Royal opens up to a reception area and lobby that could easily be mistaken for the immaculately designed living room of a Parisian aristocrat. With a welcoming fireplace as its centerpiece, the neo-traditional decor is further refined by modern sculpture, rare antiquities, art books and oversized urns filled with cascading white orchids. 

As for the rooms, each of the spacious and well-appointed, multi-room suites have the distinct feel of an individual pied-á-terre. Third level suites feature small balconies with ivy-covered railings, while rooms on the fifth level have large private terraces with postcard views of the Eiffel Tower. Thanks to a recent restoration and revamp of the property, all of the rooms are bright and splashed with natural sunlight filtered in from floor-to-ceiling French windows and skylights on top floor suites. The decidedly French décor draws inspiration from traditional Italian aesthetic motifs but keeps the mood light with white-washed walls, colorful textile wall coverings, plush furnishings and just enough gilded trim and Empire-style molding to underscore the elegance and historical significance of the property. 

One of the most unique features of the rooms are dressing areas which come complete with large and ornate vanity tables fit for a queen and exceptionally spacious, spa-like bathrooms with freestanding rain showers and deep bathtubs. The separate bedroom areas feature king-sized beds topped with crisp white French bed linens and large flat screen televisions with a range of local and international entertainment options. The living rooms are exceedingly comfortable with en-suite powder rooms, large desks, full-size sofas and a second wall-mounted television. The living room is also where you’ll find a discretely hidden kitchenette with the essentials for tea-and coffee-making and basic food preparation, including a sink and microwave. Wine connoisseurs will be drawn to a very special minibar offering a well-curated selection of wines from some of the most sought after winemakers in France and Italy.

Splendide Royal’s in-house restaurant Tosca is a real gem and has consistently remained one of the most sought after reservations on the Right Bank. An authentic homage to modern Italian cuisine, ingredients are elevated and reinvented in ways that will pleasantly surprise even the most refined of palates. Foodies have the opportunity to book a table at Tosca where chef Vito Grippa has curated very special menu comprised of unique dishes such as red mullet fillet with Campari cream, beetroot cod fish ravioli with saffron and caviar. and lobster with crispy artichoke. Tosca’s waiters are extremely knowledgeable and happy to expertly pair each dish with wines from the restaurant’s exceptional wine list.

Hotel Splendide Royal Paris

18 Rue du Cirque, 75008 Paris, France +33 01 43 87 10 10

Photos: Wknder, Roberto Naldi Collection

By WKNDER

When it comes to the holidays, there are few cities in the world more merry and bright than London. Famous for its mirthful holiday traditions, the English capital knows how to add a bit of pomp to every circumstance and The Langham London hotel exemplifies the jubilant spirit of the season. Located at the heart of chic and picturesque  Marylebone in London's West End, The Langham London is quintessentially British and one of London's most storied and historically significant landmarks. With a history dating back to 1865, The Langham London has hosted some of the world's most prominent figures and recognizable names, including Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Diana – Princess of Wales, and more recently, pop starlets Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. 

Prominently positioned on a stately corner, the Langham London is home to two marvelous restaurants that represent the best of London’s culinary scene, the highly buzzed about Roux at the Landau and the perennially elegant and historic Palm Court. For sophisticated food enthusiasts looking for a special way to celebrate the holidays, both Roux at the Landau and the Palm Court have created two culinary experiences designed to impress the most festive of foodies. 

Palm Court at The Langham London holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the most British of rituals, afternoon tea. Throughout the holiday season and into the new year Palm Court is featuring a deliciously indulgent afternoon tea in collaboration with the iconic brand and West End neighbor, Liberty London. A celebration of Victorian heritage and 21st century innovation, the Festive Afternoon Tea is an all-encompassing visual and culinary experience complete with trees decorated in partnership with Liberty London gracing the Palm Court entrance. The one-of-a-kind trees are uniquely decorated with a palette of purple, white and gold with ornaments referencing the carved wooden animals that adorn the balustrades of the iconic Liberty store. It is the food however that takes center stage at this very special tea.

As is tradition, the tea begins with a glass of champagne and continues with a selection of fine teas and an array of seasonal savories, including classic combinations such as roast turkey with apricot and marjoram stuffing on cranberry bread and smoked salmon with whipped Brie de Meaux on beetroot bread. Those opting for the more elaborate High Tea service may choose between local supplier, La Latteria’s burratina with radicchio and hazelnuts, a quiche made with fresh Dorset crab, or a delectable venison sausage roll. As if that weren’t enough, the tea continues with with an assortment of sweets that are the highlight of the meal. Inspired by the idea of purity, the freshest of ingredients are central to the preparation of each dish––think Madagascan vanilla and fresh fruits from the South of France. The tea concludes with the presentation of Palm Court’s famous patisserie and fresh, light-as-air scones served with clotted cream and Langham’s housemade jam––which can be purchased as a very special holiday souvenir. Guests have the option to choose between the lighter Afternoon Tea or High Tea, which is an ideal pre-theatre dining option or suitable alternative to a late lunch.

The festivities continue with a New Year’s Eve celebration at The Langham's freshly revamped restaurant, Roux at The Landau. The glamorous and refined space, designed by award-winning London-based interior architect David Collins is the setting for an elegant celebratory tasting dinner in the restaurant's main dining room. Complete with jazz music and elegant holiday-themed decor, New Year's Eve at Roux at the Landau is one of the best places in town to welcome 2019 in style.

The highlight of the night is a very special New Year's Eve menu created by renowned chefs Michel Roux and Nicolas Pasquier. The masterfully curated feast is comprised of simple yet refined dishes prepared using classic French cooking methods and only the best seasonal ingredients. The 7-course dinner can be served with an optional wine pairing and begins with a selection of canapés before indulging in a sensational multi-course menu that includes dishes such as Orkney scallop carpaccio served with Meyer lemon and cauliflower, quail and foie gras ballotine with Jerusalem artichoke and black truffle, poached native lobster, fregola, sauce ‘chateâu-chalon’ and roast saddle of venison. 

Reservations for both the Festive Afternoon Tea at Palm Court and New Year's Eve dinner at Roux at the Landau can be made online at langhamhotels.com

This article was originally published in JustLuxe magazine on December 20, 2018

2019 WKNDER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Our curated assemblage of the best gifts for the weekend wanderlust

Uber Gift Card

Tarris Jetsetter Digital Luggage Scale / $32

Sunday Riley ‘Let it Glow’ Kit / $175

Kreafunk Portable Battery / $64

4-in-1 Universal Travel Adapter / $30

Leica Sorfort Instant Film Camera / $300

Bottega Veneta Eye Mask / $260

Aesop Jet Set Kit / $35

Clockwise, L to R

By WKNDER

Housed inside of the famed Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, is one of Paris’ most elegant and buzzed about watering holes, Les Ambassadeurs. As one of the original main rooms of Duc de Crillon’s private residence, Les Ambassadeurs greets hotel guests and visitors alike with majestic 18th-century architecture brought to life by modern design elements. Recently reimagined by interior architect Chahan Minassian, the space is as an intoxicating blend of chic and cozy, with marble walls, plush sofas, gilded trim and frescoed ceilings to complete the aesthetic. As for its patrons, the worlds of business, art and fashion converge to create cosmopolitan energy that is uniquely Parisian. With Place de la Concorde as a background, Les Ambassadeurs is a magnet for an eclectic collection of individuals who appreciate a balance of refinement and relaxed. The atmosphere is vibrant and festive with live music program that includes performances by noteworthy artists, musicians and world-class DJs. Those planning to ring in the new year at Les Ambassadeurs can look forward to curated sets of dance music that will bring New Year's Eve to life well into the evening. It wouldn't be New Year's Eve without copious amounts of bubbly. Fortunately Les Ambassadeurs will have your party covered with over 100 types of champagnes; ranging from local small producers to famous labels. For those who prefer cocktails, Les Ambassadeurs cocktail list is one of the most extensive and inventive in Paris, with an assortment of libations that will impress even the most discerning of cocktail connoisseurs and spirit enthusiasts.

Les Ambassadeurs

10 Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France +33 01 44 71 15 00

Excerpts from this article were originally published in JustLuxe magazine on December 20, 2018

Photos: Wknder, Rosewood Hotels

By WKNDER

Anchored by the annual Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Indio’s sprawling Zenyara Estate played host to the most recent presentation of the Habitas Concert Series, featuring Mardeleva. A unique blend of energy, environment, and music, Mardeleva is Habitas Co-Founder, Eduardo Castillo's new live project. As a long-time conosseiur of electronic music, Mardeleva is a natural extension of Castillo’s personal interests and his desire to deconstruct tropes and expand concepts of space and sound. The result is a collaboration of talented friends and multi-instrumentalists exploring their gifts together in a variety of inspiring (and beautiful) natural settings.

With a shared set of aesthetic and spiritual values at the core of its ethos, Habitas is a membership-based group that is rethinking the sensory experience of leisure. Less traditional hospitality group, and more global community. Habitas was born out of a desire to affect change through human connection. In doing so, Habitas has succeded in creating a rarified world that somehow manages to educate, elevate and welcome all who enter. 

This year guests of Mardeleva at Zenyara Estate gathered in the California desert oasis under the sun and the stars to enjoy the event’s festivities. The one-day event included esoteric activities such as musical immersions, as well as daytime indulgences; including spa treatments, swimming, mezcal tastings courtesy of Mezcal Unión, the Adidas Sport Club Garden and Red Bull Lab Bar with music by Soulection, and a range of amenities offered by Zenyara Beauty and Wellness center. 

As the sun set behind the San Jacinto Mountains, evening at Mardeleva ushered in a completely different vibe and set the tone for an intimate concert on a private beach. Complete with an open bar and a bedouin tent outfitted with Moroccan lanterns and Turkish style rugs and floor seating options. Inspired by instrumentation and musical styles from the around the globe, the unique sounds of the night went well into the early morning, enlivened by curated DJ sets and beachside dancing under the desert sky. 

If you missed Mardeleva at Zenyara, not to worry. The next installment of the Habitas Concert Series, featuring Mardeleva will take place on June 2nd in the heart of Mexico City in what is described as a “hall of extravagant ruins…with surfaces covered in sprouting plants and walls laced ferns and ivy winding up and down the balcony rails.” Guests will meet in the center of this tropical atrium, to experience Mardeleva’s memorable Mexico City debut.

For more information on the Habitas Concert Series and other Habitas curated experiences visit HABITAS

Photos courtesy of MARDELEVA

By WKNDER

Long regarded as a luxurious summer getaway for jet setters with a penchant for both play and privacy, Villa Marie Saint Tropez is a bastion of old world Provençal refinement and 21st century French Riviera glamour. Whether your holiday requires spa day solitude or pool day pleasures (or a bit of each), Villa Marie Saint Tropez is the perfect home away from home. 

Ideally situated between the legendary beach clubs of Pampelonne Bay and the glamorous seaside village of Saint-Tropez, the seasonal hotel is close enough to feel part of the action, yet removed enough in its surroundings to allow guests to truly indulge in the quintessential South-of-France serenity that has made the region an enduring summer destination of choice for generations. 

Located in the forested hamlet of Ramatuelle, no more than a 10 minute drive from the bustling port of Saint-Tropez, Villa Marie is the perfect landing spot for the discerning traveler to enjoy the best of everything that the region has to offer. Surrounded by vineyard-laced knolls and pine-dotted hillsides over looking the Mediterranean, a stay at Villa Marie feels more like visiting the private villa of a good friend, rather than your typical 5-star hotel. 

The tile-roofed, terra cotta hued compound is a world onto itself. Set in the midst of exquisitely manicured provençal gardens complete with splashing fountains, lily ponds and cypress-lined gravel promenades. Serpentine paths shaded by twisting vines lead to an Instagram-ready, lagoon-like swimming pool that is cut into natural rock, complete with a trickling waterfall that provides just the right amount of background noise for an afternoon nap. The recently refurbished pool area invites guests to find a nook of their own and lounge under the shade of one of the hotel’s signature scarlet umbrellas or under the dappled sunlight of the towering century-old pine trees that shield the area from the rest of the property. Adjacent to the pool is an smart little gym with just enough equipment for a quick morning or evening workout.

The look of the public spaces compliments the classic architecture of the villa itself, distinctly old world with a 1920’s feel, enlivened by subtle flashes of metallic and jewel-toned hues throughout the interiors. This timeless quality carries over into each of the 42 rooms and suites which have been designed with a traditionally french bathroom/boudoir concept in mind. This decidedly classic aesthetic gives way to a thoroughly modern space outfitted with all of the state-of-the-art amenities one would expect from a luxury resort. If privacy is at the top of your list, you will find it in abundance at Villa Marie. Nearly every room comes complete with a private terrace perfect for enjoying a chilled-glass of rosé or just a bit of peace and quiet. To get the full Villa Marie experience be sure to request one of the sea-facing suites, each of which boast views of the Ramatuelle hills and the yacht-studded Mediterranean sea in the distance.

If a bit more relaxation is in order, the on-site spa, Pure Altitude offers a range of specialized restorative and aesthetic treatments, each of which uses the Pure Altitude signature range of spa products that were developed exclusively for the Maisons & Hotels Sibuet collection of properties, of which Villa Marie is a member. The product line which is the brain child of brand co-founder Jocelyne Sibuet, draws both inspiration and many of its ingredients from flora indigenous to French alpine regions. Unique elements include high-altitude herbs, saps, fresh mountain and sea waters, rounded out by essential oils and floral extracts. A spa session at Pure Altitude is not to be missed, however if you don’t make it into the spa, not to worry, Pure Altitude bath products can be found in each of Villa Marie’s rooms and suites.

Summer sizzles well into October throughout Saint-Tropez so there is still time to head south for the season and experience the world of Villa Marie Saint Tropez for yourself.

Villa Marie Saint Tropez, 1100 chemin de, 83350 Ramatuelle, France

+33 4 94 97 40 22

www.villamariesainttropez.com

By Sophie Grove

With a dizzying array of mouth-watering options seemingly at every turn, deciding where to eat in Rome is no simple feat. Fortunately Hotel Eden's top-floor bar and restaurant, Il Giardino, is the perfect spot. Offering both traditional contemporary Roman dishes, superb regional wines and breath-taking views of the city, Il Giardino serves up a taste of Southern Italy in a beautifully designed space, fit for a roman holiday.

Executive chef Fabio Ciervo describes his style of cooking as “based on continuous research around my guiding principles of innovation, wellbeing, ingredients, taste and art.” His inventive menu offers a modern take on traditional Roman cooking with many unexpected surprises throughout. Nibbling is encouraged with a selection of 'tapas' style cicchetti, including anchovies, squash blossoms stuffed with mozzarella, and the obligatory pizzas and salads.

The main menu however is the main attraction. Skipping right ahead to ‘Primi’ we went for Chef Ciervo’s famous cacio e pepe and in keeping with our “when in Rome…” mantra for the day, we went ahead and ordered the spaghettoni alla carbonara too. Our pastas were prepared perfectly, serving as a friendly reminder of the art of simplicity that Il Giardino does so well. Of course no bowl of pasta would be complete with out a glass of wine and for that we chose a light frascati reserve by Villa Simone, idea for a bit of day drinking before heading across the street to Villa Borghese.

At the insistence of our server we rounded out our lunch with a light desert of zupetta di fragole with mint and yogurt gelato and espressos while taking in the 180 degree views of Rome down below—stretching from Il Vittoriano and St. Peters to the Villa Medici and Borghese gardens.

True to its name, Il Giardino is not only an foodie oasis, but an enduring gem of Rome’s contemporary culinary scene.

Il Giardino Ristorante & Bar,
Hotel Eden, Via Ludovisi 49
00187 Rome
Italy

By WKNDER

In a ranking of places on earth that leave you speechless, Capri Island’s Punta Tragara surely earns a top spot on the list. Perhaps best recognized as the picture perfect poolside backdrop for some of Slim Aarons most iconic photographs capturing the Capri lifestyle in the early 1980s, Punta Tragara sets the standard for la dolce vita in a way that is unparalleled. Perched high above the bustling Marina Piccola and town center of Capri, Punta Tragara is ideally situated in one of the most stunning geographic landscapes on Capri Island. According to legend, Punta Tragara was chosen by the Emperor Tiberius as the perfect location for one of his island villas. Centuries later it endures as one of the most spectacular and breath taking locations in all of Italy. 

Originally a private family villa, Punta Tragara is now a luxury five-star hotel comprised of forty-four rooms and suites that seemingly cantilever over the verdant cliffs that face the iconic Faraglioni rock formations and the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea just below. While the natural setting is visually stunning in its own right, the masterful architecture of Punta Tragara is that of legend. Designed by the famed Swiss architect, Le Corbusier in the 1920s, the architect famously described the house as “born from the rock itself…a refuge where to find solace for the body, heart and mind.” He elaborated further in Domus magazine where he likened the architecture of Punta Tragara to an “extension of the rock, a filiation of the island, a vegetable phenomenon, almost an architectural lichen, grown off the side of Capri.” In 1974 the original residence was reinvented as a hotel and updated over the years into what is now a thoroughly modern luxury hotel that has managed to retain all of its old world charisma and charm. 

For my first visit to Punta Tragara, its magic began to take effect well before I even reached the hotel. Accessed only by foot at the end of a lush and sun-dappled, cobblestone pedestrian road, the process of arrival was half the fun. Upon entering Punta Tragara I was immediately immersed into a sanctum of elegance. An intoxicating blend of Mediterranean sunlight, combined with elegant contemporary decor and effortlessly mixed with curated sculpture and antiquities, rare artifacts, one-of-a-kind photographs and contemporary works of art. All of this made even more special by a warm welcome from the wonderful staff members that greeted me upon arrival and graciously welcomed me, ready to meet all of my holiday needs.

The refined eccentricity of Punta Tragara makes for a fun and elegant retreat that offers guests many options for relaxation, decadence and wellness. Guests can choose from two picturesque swimming pools, each one surrounded by verdant Mediterranean gardens and overlooking the sea. If a bit of pampering is required, the in-house spa, Unica, offers a range of thalassotherapy and spa treatments, including ultra-delicate body scrubs, perfect for a day in the sea and sun.

Part of the Manfredi Fine Hotel Collection and a member of Small Luxury Hotels, Punta Tragara is distinct from other luxury hotels in that no two rooms are identical. While each room is unique, the one thing that they all have in common is pure, unadulterated luxury. The legendary penthouse is of course the epitome of grandeur, complete with a large roof terrace, multiple living areas, and a 180 degree view of the marina and blue horizon beyond. The luxury doesn’t end at the penthouse however. My Master Deluxe room was outfitted with a spa-like bathroom, separate living area, and a sun-splashed, wraparound private terrace with an uninterrupted view of the ocean and the famed Faraglioni rocks. 

La dolce vita is alive and well in Capri, and Hotel Punta Tragara is where you’ll find it thriving in its purest manifestation. From the impeccable service to the five-star amenities to the incredible local cuisine to the remarkable setting of rare natural beauty, Punta Tragara gave me everything I needed for my very own taste of the sweet life.

Punta Tragara is open seasonally from April until October. 

For more information on Punta Tragara, please call +39 081 8370844, email info@hoteltragara.it or visit www.hoteltragara.com.

This article originally published in JustLuxe magazine on June 12, 2018

By Evan Morganstern

The Tranoï trade show brought Seoul Fashion Week to France this season, in a collaboration with Paris Fashion Week. The partnership between the two fashion week events is at the heart of an effort to place Tranoï at the center of Paris Fashion Week’s creative scene. Establishing the trade show as a place for global fashion insiders to discover new brands, trends, and designers from South Korea. As part of this showcase a three-brand fashion show featuring Lie, Kumann and Ulkin took place at Tranoï’s Palais Brogniart location.

The Paris Fashion Week collaboration reflects the evolution and emergence of independent South Korean fashion around the world. “The ultimate goal is to solidify the position of Seoul Fashion Week as the top Asian fashion week and one of five major global fashion weeks,” says Hyejeong Cho, director of the beauty fashion industry division in Seoul Metropolitan Government.

While the Seoul Metropolitan Group plans to take this concept to other cities - including London and Milan, Cho emphasizes the importance of the Paris showcase, stating that Paris is decidedly “the dreamland of all those who work in the fashion industry.”

By Quentin Smith

09.25.22

This year Maison & Objet Fall 2022 coincided with Paris Design Week, giving the City of Lights a preview of new trends and rising talents from across Europe and around the word. Divided into two broad categories: Maison (home and interiors) and Objet (objects and accessories), the aptly named Maison & Objet took place at Parc des Expositions in Villpinte, with programing throughout the city as part of a collaborative effort with Paris Design Week. The city-wide event spread across the left and right banks, in showrooms and galleries from The Marais to Saint Germain.

WKNDER was on hand at both Maison & Objet and Paris Design Week to scope this year’s highlights:

Designer of the Year: Cristina Celestino

The Italian designer Cristina Celestino, winner of this year’s Designer of the Year award, created the vibrant Palais Exotique, site-specific café within the exhibition spaces the showcased her unique vision of the trends of exoticism and color.

The Rising Talent Award: Netherlands

Dedicated to promising young designers, The Rising Talent Award was selected by an esteemed committee which included design world lumaries such as Wieki Somers, Kiki Van Eijk, Hella Jongerius and Inke Hans. Awards were bestowed upon Hanna Koiistra, Atelier Fig, Théophile Blandet, Yoon Seok-Hyeon, Visser & Meijwaard, and Simone Post.

Trends: Far and Away

References to global aesthetics emerged as a noteworthy trend for the hospitality and design sectors. From Cristina Celestino’s Palais Exotique, to colorful tableware from Korea, to the use of re-claimed central African textiles by Simone Post, and Franco-Japanese lighting fixtures by Paris-based KIRA.

Materials: The Future is Natural

Expect to see more glass, sustainably glazed ceramics, and used of natural materials such as and rattan for use in both indoor and outdoor furnishings.

Trends: Big, Bold, and Bright Colors

While there will always be a place in the world for neutrals and earth tones, the trends are pointing towards bright colors. Designs at this year’s fair placed heavy emphasis on color throughout home accessories and furnishings. Color in blocks, pattern, monochrome, or even as gradients, have become a language for optimism, freedom and renewal and people reconsider their relationships with personal and public spaces.

For more information please visit Maison&Objet and Paris Design Week

By WKNDER

Some things in life are just unexpected enough to work. In the case of Grey Lady, a Nantucket-style seafood restaurant in the heart of land-locked Aspen, the unexpected works flawlessly. Despite its location well-above sea level, the Aspen outpost of the well-known East Coast eatery is about as authentic as it gets. Thanks in large part to co-owner and New England native Ryan Chadwick, whose father, a Maine lobsterman, ships his catch out to Aspen each day.

Centrally located on Mill Street in the heart of downtown Aspen, The Grey Lady offers an impressive dinner menu of classic seafood dishes and localized interpretations of New England inspired staples such as the Aspen Clambake, a hearty stew comprised of Maine Lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, Old Bay cornbread and wild boar sausage. For the equally discerning but less complicated palate, the Classic Lobster Roll is purist approved in the form of one pound of sweet Maine lobster on a savory buttered bun. You can't go wrong with the Lobster Deviled  Eggs and the P.E.I. Mussels steamed in a flavorful prosecco-aji amarillo broth, served with crusty country bread and paired with a full-bodied white from Grey Lady’s well-curated wine list. 

After dinner, Grey Lady’s lively bar scene is worth a visit with live DJs and an eclectic and youthful crowd. Grey Lady is also a great option for post-apres ski cocktails. Not to be missed, is Grey Lady’s innovative bar program, which in keeping with the menu keeps a few things local by using locally distilled spirits. We recommend the ever-popular  Moscow  Mule, made special with a vodka from local Woods Creek Distillery and a house-brewed ginger beer.

Grey Lady Aspen, 305 South Mill Street, Aspen, CO 1.970.925.1797

By Sophie Grove

Luxurious, contemporary, and situated in one of the most beautiful locations in central Paris, Hotel Marignan Champs-Élysées is a haven of peace and refinement. Whether on a romantic getaway or business trip, this elegant hotel provides guests with an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city. From its Art Deco facade to the modern guest rooms and suites, Hotel Marignan Champs-Élysées has been designed with aesthetics and comfort in mind. Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, just behind Avenue Montaigne and steps from the Champs-Élysées, the property is close to many of Paris' most popular attractions - including the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower.

With 50 guest rooms and suites - all of which are decorated in a contemporary style - Hotel Marignan Champs-Élysées is the perfect accommodation option for business and leisure travel. The rooms are spacious and bright, thanks to the large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The beds are comfortable, and the sheets are soft, making it easy to get a good night's sleep. The bathrooms are clean and inviting, with fluffy towels and toiletries reminiscent of a luxury spa. Additionally, the hotel offers 24-hour room service, laundry service, and concierge service. The breakfast buffet is delicious and features a wide variety of pastries, fruits, and hot dishes.

Limon, the hotel’s on-site restaurant offers guests the opportunity to experience exquisite European gastronomy in the restaurant or on the hotel’s lovely terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The menu features French cuisine with a modern twist, using seasonal and local ingredients. The restaurant has received critical acclaim for its inventive dishes, exquisite presentation, and attentive service. The menu changes seasonally to take advantage of the freshest ingredients, and the restaurant sources its ingredients from local purveyors. Whether you're looking for an intimate dining experience or a night out with friends, the restaurant at Hotel Marignan Champs-Élysées is sure to impress.

The bar at Hotel Marignan Champs-Élysées, which is part of the restaurant, is a great place to relax with a drink after a long day of sightseeing. The bartenders are skilled mixologists, and they're always happy to chat and make recommendations from the extensive list of cocktails, beers, and wines. The bar is open until midnight, so it's also a great spot for an after-dinner drink or nightcap. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind after a busy day or want to enjoy a delicious cocktail, the bar at Hotel Marignan Champs-Élysées is ideal. The terrace is very special, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail or glass of champagne while admiring the postcard view of Paris. It's open all year round so that you can enjoy the Parisian atmosphere throughout summer.

Whether you're looking for a luxurious weekend getaway, a romantic spot to enjoy a glass of wine or simply enjoy a bird's eye view of Paris, the Hotel Marignan Champs-Élysées is a perfect choice. With its excellent location, outstanding facilities, and award-winning restaurant, it's sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Book your stay today.

For reservations and more information please visit hotelmarignanchampselysees.com

By Quentin Smith

When you're looking for the perfect bastion of chic where you can indulge in delicious cuisine and relax in a luxurious setting, look no further than Le Bilboquet in Palm Beach, one of the top establishments in the local area. Although the restaurant is a branch of an intimate boîte in Manhattan’s Upper Eastside, it's unique for its collection of classic artwork, exceptional cuisine and alfresco ambiance that's a pleasure to experience any day of the week.

The much-ballyhooed Palm Beach renaissance has caused Le Bilboquet Palm Beach to become one of the most sought-after reservations among both locals and in-the-know visitors alike. The unique design, original menu, and inviting atmosphere make it one of the more popular upscale eateries in town offering fine dining on Palm Beach's tony Worth Avenue. Once you step foot inside Le Bilboquet Palm Beach, you'll enter a restaurant that offers contemporary nostalgia with its art-deco-inspired interior. The eatery feels cozy and warm but still offers privacy to patrons as they gather around the patio tables alfresco or tuck into an intimate booth to dine over American and French menu items that include La Saumon á la Plancha, Le Poulet Cajun, and a positively decadent gazpacho that is not to be missed.

From the curved furniture to the vintage tray ceilings, it's hard not to pay attention to each and every detail in the room. The decor is noteworthy and includes works of art by well-known artists and quirky design items - including the much-admired lamps at the entrance and simple details such as the authentic French rattan bistro chairs outside. One of the most popular spots where patrons gather inside the establishment is at the sleek nickel-top bar, which is imported from Paris and is easy to stare at for several minutes while sipping on your drink. The spot near the bar boasts elegant lighting and a moody color scheme, making it a comfortable place to mingle with other patrons and order a libation from the list of specialty cocktails.

Many people prefer to dine outdoors to bask in the warm sunshine, which contributes to the uniquely Palm Beach experience. This is where you can enjoy alfresco dining in a quiet setting that is somehow both lively and serene. The climbing jasmine walls are not only photo-worthy but make it feel like you're dining in Europe, contributing to the exquisite design and otherworldly ambiance of the restaurant. A lush courtyard provides ample shade underneath canvas umbrellas or under two of the large palms trees that are present, making it a great place to get fresh air and exchange intimate conversation. It makes a great first impression when you first approach the restaurant and want to experience some of the fresh energy that is present any day of the week.

The old-world glamour is evident whether you choose to be seated indoors or outside with the beautiful design and furnishings on display. Many guests also take advantage of a private dining room that is available upstairs, which is accessible by an elevator or stairs. This makes it easy to have a spot set aside for larger groups and special occasions, whether guests need a place to host a meeting or celebrate a bridal shower. The dining room features a private bar and the setting is furnished with artwork by Robert Lambert and Keith Coventry, creating an elegant and striking environment.

The incredible menu is the main reason why guests can't get enough of Le Bilboquet. Everything from fresh mussels to exquisite cheese plates not only delights the palate but makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. The Salade Niçoise is a staple on the menu and is garnished with peppers, black olives, and yellowfin tuna. The tuna is tender enough that it feels like it melts on your tongue with your first bite. Everything is anchored with seasoned ingredients and is arranged to be photo-ready to ensure it complements the overall experience. One of the main reasons the cuisine leaves a lasting impression is the meticulous attention to detail and quality. Each plate looks like a work of art and has the perfect balance of each hand-picked flavor. The wine list is exceptional and can be expertly paired with a number of Le Bilboquet's signature dishes. Patrons also visit the establishment on Saturdays and Sundays where a special brunch menu is always a highlight of a weekend in Palm Beach.

Located off of Worth Avenue, Le Bilboquet Palm Beach is in a prime location that is easy to access from different parts of the city. It's located near boutiques and beaches, making it easy to visit for those who are already out exploring. Originally, Le Bilboquet first opened in New York in 1986 with only 35 seats in a quaint setting. The establishment became a popular place where New York glitterati could be found dining in the evenings. The restaurant has now expanded to other locations throughout the U.S. to ensure other patrons can join in on the fun. The doors recently opened at Le Bilboquet Palm Beach where it is under the direction of Philippe Delgrange. With a culinary vision, Delgrange helped Le Bilboquet become established in the city and has made it a staple among locals. He's known for his modern reinventions while still incorporating plenty of fresh classics.

For reservations and more information about Le Bilboquet Palm Beach visit lebilboquetpb.com

This article originally published in collaboration with JustLuxe magazine on December 18, 2021

By Quentin Smith

Towering palatially over the banks of the River Nile in the heart of Cairo, The new St. Regis Cairo, is an emblem of modern luxury and old-world opulence that artfully embodies the mythical lore and contemporary lifestyle of Egypt’s dynamic capital. Designed by world-renowned architect Michael Graves, every part of the stately 36-story hotel offers a feast for the senses. With beautiful design, world-class restaurants, and extraordinary service, The St. Regis Cairo balances glamour and elegance in a way that transports guests to a world of opulence and old-world grandeur.

Down to the smallest of details, the architecture and design of The St. Regis Cairo is an exercise in form and function, delivering refinement and a sense of decadence to all who enter. Given Cairo’s ancient and fabled history, a literal homage to Egypt might be expected. Instead, however, Michael Graves and his creative team have opted for a layered curatorial approach to the design of the property that reveals itself in subtle ways. The modern (almost futuristic) lines of the exterior façade give way to an interior in which Graves has balanced tradition and modernity through the use of structural and aesthetic motifs. The genius of this artistic balance is revealed through the clever juxtaposition of restrained minimalism and curated ornament. Dark mahogany corridors brightened with mother of pearl inlays, graceful lines, and rich textures pair tradition with modernity, creating design moments which give The St. Regis Cairo a uniquely Egyptian aura. One such moment is a soaring mural entitled “The Pink Sun,” a magnificently opulent backdrop of the ultra-luxe St. Regis Bar. Confidently contemporary, the mural depicts the birth of a modern civilization and symbolic moments of Egyptian history in a kaleidoscopic palette of metallics and bright colors.

The St. Regis Cairo’s exquisite attention to detail extends into the hotel’s 362 spacious guest rooms, suites, and luxury apartments, all of which provide guests with unparalleled luxury and personalized service. Many of the rooms have been designed to take advantage of postcard views of the River Nile and the city of Cairo just beyond, offering many rare and unique vantage points of the lively metropolis. Design elements such as custom furniture, intricate mosaics, and alabaster urns are beautifully executed, drawing inspiration from Egyptian artistry. This includes the beautiful papyrus wall coverings that function as art installations which differ slightly from room-to-room, making no two rooms alike. In the expansive marble en-suite marble bathrooms, ceiling-high mosaic murals reflecting nature and Egyptian culture surround deep soaking tubs, creating an environment that is both opulent and relaxing.

A feeling of relaxation is also built into the design of the St. Regis brand’s signature Iridium Spa. The state-of-the-art facility spanning two floors - connected by curved glass and marble staircases - creates a space for guests to partake in wellness experiences and signature treatments in a calm and peaceful environment. Therapy areas include sauna, steam, and ice rooms, a shock shower, and vitality pools. Special rituals such as chilled mint water towels and jars of honey on ice are offered for skin hydration, and are part of the steam room experience. This unique Egyptian spa tradition correlates with some of the ancient wellness rituals that can be found on Iridium Spa’s extensive treatment menu. Advanced therapy options include Iridium Spa’s signature light therapy treatment, which has been shown to treat acne and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. If a full spa day is not your style, The St. Regis Cairo also features a fully-equipped athletic club, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

The St. Regis Cairo’s elegant gathering spaces are a mesmerizing draw for both guests and locals alike. Most notably, The Water Garden, The St. Regis Cairo’s sparkling crown jewel - and premier spot in town to see, and be seen. With its shimmering reflecting water feature, gracefully gilded lanterns, chic lounging areas, and sweeping views of the River Nile. The Water Garden offers an elevated and uniquely Egyptian experience that is best experienced at the hotel’s Afternoon Tea - a ritual which takes place at St. Regis properties around the world. At The St. Regis Cairo the aptly named 1922 Afternoon Tea is a new concept inspired by the date of the discovery of Tut Ankh-Amun Tomb in November of 1922, marking a milestone in Egyptian history. The inspirations for this concept appear in every detail of the Afternoon Tea experience, which includes fine porcelain china, gilded cutlery, hand-carved painted tea towers, and papyrus paper menus in a treasury box resembling paintings in King Tut’s tomb, The experience is brought full-circle with classic 1920’s jazz and a menu comprised of culinary delights inspired by traditional Egyptian delicacies - think: pistachio and wild honey cakes topped with gold leaf, smoked Nile duck medallions, Red Sea black squid ink bread topped with herbs and cream. All of this with a panoramic view of the River Nile view and the sweet aroma of Egyptian rose and mint tea wafting in the air.

The Afternoon Tea is followed by a daily sunset celebration that includes a champagne sabering inside of the lobby lounge. This beloved St. Regis tradition is particularly special at The St. Regis Cairo. Ceremonial bells - indicating that the evening ritual is about to begin - are followed by historical stories of victory and celebrations, while soft music plays in the background. The culmination is a theatrical sabering of the bottle and a glass of champagne for all in attendance, leaving guests with a taste of St. Regis luxury and a glimpse of what awaits.

A culinary destination unlike any other in Egypt, The St. Regis Cairo offers a range of dining options that highlight the best in global cuisine. Tianma offers an authentically Singaporean experience with a menu that references Chinese and Indian cuisine. The dishes at Tianma are flavorful and beautifully presented with artistic panache inside of a beautifully designed space that is nothing short of breathtaking. Starting with a dramatic entrance which takes guests over a reflecting pool and through a covered passage flanked by towering wooden horses and into a dining space that feels almost otherworldly. Up next is La Zisa, an equally inviting, yet decidedly more casual dining space overlooking the River Nile. Here, guests will experience a menu that is best described as a fusion of flavors connecting Italian cuisine with local culinary influences. The dishes here are inventive and represent the best of both cultures. Rounding out the hotel’s restaurants is J&G Steakhouse, a glamorous and chic experience that rivals the top steakhouses in New York, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills. Prime cuts of meat and fish are served up with unique cocktails, fine wines, stunning decor, and a birds-eye view of the River Nile and the Cairo skyline.

The St. Regis Cairo makes a bold statement as a new reflection of Egypt’s rich history, dynamic present, and exciting future. Through bold innovation, exquisite design, exceptional service and next level refinement, The St. Regis Cairo has redefined contemporary Egyptian chic. Establishing itself as not only a monument to luxury, but as one of the world’s top luxury hotels, lifting the standard and raising the bar for 5-star international travel in the 21st century.